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Khawaja defends comments on Australia team's ball-tampering claims

Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 8, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Nov 8, 2026

Khawaja defends comments on Australia team's ball-tampering claims

Summary

Usman Khawaja clarified that he has not blamed any teammates regarding the ball-tampering scandal from 2018, referencing excerpts from his autobiography. These excerpts suggest that the entire Australian team was aware of the cheating scheme during the tour of South Africa. Khawaja insists his intention was not to throw anyone under the bus as these claims resurfaced in discussions surrounding the incident. The controversy, known as 'Sandpapergate', continues to draw scrutiny within cricket circles.

Source Links

Sky Sports

Key Details

•Usman Khawaja published excerpts from his autobiography.
•He claims the entire team knew about the ball tampering.
•Khawaja denies blaming individual teammates.
•The ball-tampering incident occurred during the 2018 tour of South Africa.
•Khawaja aims to clarify his earlier comments.

Latest Updates

7:00 AMSky Sports — Khawaja: I haven't 'thrown anyone under the bus' with 'Sandpapergate' claims

What they're saying

"
Usman Khawaja insists he has not "thrown anyone under the bus" after excerpts from his autobiography claimed the entire Australia team were aware of the ball-tampering scheme on the tour of South Africa in 2018.
— Sky Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

South Africa Cricket