Sandpapergate scandalAustralian cricketer David Warner has fully backed Usman Khawaja’s claims regarding the 2018 ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal. Warner stated that the revelations made by his former teammate, Khawaja, are ‘100% correct’ and that the truth about that dark chapter in Australian cricket needed to come to light.
Warner has also raised questions about the investigation that followed the incident. Following the ball-tampering episode in South Africa, Warner was handed a ban; similar sanctions were also imposed on Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith.
In a video posted on Instagram, Warner extended his full support to Khawaja. He questioned the credibility of the investigation, pointing out that despite being present alongside Cameron Bancroft, Khawaja was never questioned.
Support for Khawaja’s Claims
Warner stated, "It has been eight years since I last spoke about this. Usman, I fully support you. I thank you for your efforts. What you have said is 100% correct. Now, everyone knows the truth; it is out in the open.
People wanted to know this; you have come forward and spoken about it, and now people are asking, 'Why after eight years?' Some are suggesting it’s just about selling a book but this is Usman’s story it is what Usman believes.
What did Usman claim?
Warner’s statement follows the emergence of excerpts from Khawaja’s upcoming autobiography, *Sabr*, which has reignited the debate surrounding the events of the 2018 Test series against South Africa.
Khawaja has claimed that more people were aware of the ball-tampering incident than just the three players who were formally sanctioned, and that the team should have collectively taken responsibility for it.
Questions Raised About the Investigation
Warner offered sharp criticism of the process followed by Cricket Australia (CA) after the Cape Town Test, during which Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball. According to Warner, the investigation was rushed and incomplete—notably because Khawaja, who was sitting next to Bancroft, was never questioned. He remarked, "The entire interview process was rushed and poorly handled. Usman was sitting right next to Cameron Bancroft, yet he wasn't interviewed. What kind of investigation is that? It baffles me."
Impact on Family
Warner shared that the controversy has also taken a personal toll on his family. He revealed that he recently had to explain the events to his daughters—specifically his 12-year-old, Ivy—who sought to understand the images showing their family surrounded by cameras. He said, "Over the last few days, I’ve had to talk to my daughter swhich is partly why it took me a few days to speak outbecause I had to explain exactly what happened. My 12-year-old, Ivy, in particular, wanted to know why we were holding her, why there were so many cameras, and why we were crying on television."
Warner admitted that the conversation was difficult, but he emphasized the importance of telling the truth. "It was incredibly hard," he said. "But I told them, 'Girls, always tell the truth, because lies eventually come to light.' It was a very difficult time." He described Khawaja’s revelations as "100% accurate."
Khawaja Offers Clarification
Following a resurgence of the controversy, Khawaja took to social media to clarify what he meant by the phrase "all of us." He emphasized that he was referring to collective accountability, rather than attempting to cast blame on individual teammates.
