Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has reignited discussion around the 2018 ball-tampering scandal known as Sandpapergate, raising fresh questions about who within the team hierarchy was aware of the scheme.
The scandal, which erupted during Australia's Test tour of South Africa, saw Cameron Bancroft caught on camera using sandpaper to alter the ball's condition. Captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner received lengthy bans, while Bancroft was also sanctioned. Cricket Australia's investigation at the time concluded the plan was hatched by the leadership group without broader team knowledge.
Khawaja's recent comments suggest the circle of awareness may have been wider than officially acknowledged. The opening batter, who was part of the squad during the Cape Town Test, has not disclosed specific new evidence but his intervention pressures Cricket Australia to clarify the extent of institutional knowledge.
The Independent reported Khawaja's remarks on November 11, 2026, renewing scrutiny on one of cricket's most damaging integrity crises. The affair led to sweeping cultural reviews within Australian cricket and the resignation of senior executives.
