Khawaja alleges wider knowledge of 2018 ball tampering as Cricket Australia stands by findings

Usman Khawaja has alleged that knowledge of Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scheme extended across the touring party, challenging the account that led to sanctions against only three players. The Guardian reported the former Test opener's claims ahead of the release of his autobiography, Sabr. Cricket Australia has responded by maintaining its support for the findings of its integrity investigation.

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In comments to Nine newspapers carried by the Guardian, Khawaja said the responsibility went beyond individual batters, bowlers or members of staff. He alleged that sandpaper had already been used during the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, before Cameron Bancroft was filmed handling it during the third Test in Cape Town. Those claims are Khawaja's account, rather than new findings announced by Cricket Australia.

Khawaja alleged that Bancroft first offered to use sandpaper in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. He also said Steve Smith walked away from dressing-room discussions about ball tampering there, which Khawaja interpreted as an indication that Smith did not want to know about the plan. Khawaja said he had argued after the Cape Town match that the team should accept collective responsibility for what had happened.

The 2018 Cricket Australia investigation identified Bancroft, David Warner and Smith as having prior knowledge of the Cape Town scheme. Smith, then captain, and Warner, then vice-captain, each received a 12-month suspension, while Bancroft was banned for nine months. According to the Guardian, Khawaja dedicates the book's chapter on the scandal to those three players and said he had expected a broader account to emerge before now.

Cricket Australia's response did not announce a change to those conclusions. A spokesperson said there had been continuing opportunities to supply relevant information since the Cape Town Test and that this remained possible. The governing body said it had properly considered the information presented to it and remained satisfied with the outcome of its integrity process.

The allegations also sit alongside earlier public denials from Australia's bowlers. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon said in 2021 that they had not known about the scheme. The Guardian reported that Cummins had confirmed Khawaja contacted him about writing the book. Speaking before Australia's recent South Africa tour, Cummins said the investigations and questioning had already taken place and that the group had moved on.