Cricket Australia has officially rejected calls to launch a new inquiry into the 2018 “sandpapergate” ball-tampering scandal. The decision comes despite recent allegations from cricketers Usman Khawaja and David Warner that awareness of the plot was far more widespread among the team than previously acknowledged.
CA chief executive Todd Greenberg stated on Tuesday that the governing body remains satisfied with its original investigation into the incident, which occurred during the tour of South Africa. Speaking to the radio station SEN, Greenberg noted that while Khawaja’s autobiography offers a perspective that contradicts previous accounts, the organization does not believe a renewed investigation would be productive or necessary. “There are specific details in his book that contradict the versions that have been provided by others,” Greenberg told local radio station SEN. I don’t think there’s anything that can be gained from that.”.
“We have said we’re comfortable with the outcome of the investigation based on the information we’ve received,” Greenberg said. “That includes what we’ve seen from Usman, and our position hasn’t changed on that. We don’t see any compelling reason to open the investigation or revisit this again.”
In his recently released book, Khawaja claims that “open, lighthearted discussions” regarding ways to scuff the ball, including the use of sandpaper, occurred throughout the South African series. He alleged that the dialogue involved more than just the batters, bowlers, or staff, claiming, “It was all of us.”
David Warner, who retired from international cricket over two years ago, backed Khawaja’s account in a social media video. He characterized his teammate’s claims as “100 percent accurate” and criticized the initial Cricket Australia investigation as a “botched” and “rushed” process.
The controversy stems from the 2018 Cape Town Test, after which Cricket Australia handed out suspensions and penalties to Warner, former captain Steve Smith, and batter Cameron Bancroft. Following the emergence of these new claims, some critics suggested that Khawaja’s timing was linked to marketing his book, Sabr. Some commentators have questioned why Khawaja waited eight years to speak out and accused him of trying to boost sales of his book Sabr.
Khawaja denied these accusations on social media, stating he had no commercial interest in the matter, adding, “I’m very fortunate, I don’t need the money.” “Answered every question a million times.
The current Australian Test squad maintains a different stance. In 2021, the four bowlers involved in the 2018 Test—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon—issued a joint statement denying any prior knowledge of the plot. Captain Cummins reaffirmed his position last month in South Africa, noting that he had spoken with Khawaja about the book and felt the issue had already been sufficiently addressed.
