Former Australian cricketer David Warner has publicly backed Usman Khawaja’s claims that the entire Australian team knew about the ball-tampering plan behind the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.
Warner said Khawaja’s account was “100 per cent accurate” and questioned the handling of the investigation into one of Australian cricket’s biggest controversies.
Khawaja made the allegations in his upcoming autobiography, with excerpts published over the weekend.
The former Australian Test opener claimed that everyone in the team knew about the plan to tamper with the ball before the match against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town.
The scandal erupted when Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball, resulting in suspensions for Bancroft, then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain Warner.
In a video statement posted on Instagram, Warner expressed his full support for Khawaja.
“Uzzy, I throw my full support behind you. I thank you for what you’ve done. It’s 100 per cent accurate what you’ve said,” Warner said.
He also criticised the investigation conducted after the incident, describing the interview process as rushed and poorly handled.
Warner questioned why Khawaja, who was sitting next to Bancroft, had not been interviewed during the investigation.
“How is that a thorough investigation?” he asked.
Warner said the issue was not about reopening old wounds but ensuring accountability and transparency.
He also revealed the emotional impact the scandal had on his family, saying he had recently spoken to his daughters about what happened eight years ago.
Warner said Khawaja’s decision to speak publicly about the incident deserved support, despite questions over the timing of the revelations ahead of his book’s release.
Warner also urged those responsible for the original investigation to answer questions about its findings.
The latest claims have renewed debate over whether responsibility for the scandal extended beyond the three players who were punished.
Cricket Australia’s original investigation identified Smith, Warner and Bancroft as the players with prior knowledge of the plan. However, Khawaja’s account challenges that conclusion.
Cricket Australia has maintained that it is satisfied with its investigation, while former Australian coach Darren Lehmann has disputed aspects of Khawaja’s allegations.
The controversy has once again raised questions about accountability and transparency in Australian cricket, eight years after the scandal. (Newswire)