Khawaja withdraws from book interviews amid Sandpapergate row; ACA urges end to online abuse
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has withdrawn from promotional interviews for his new autobiography following intense backlash over his claims regarding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. While David Warner has supported Khawaja's assertion that the entire team was aware of the plot, other former teammates like Mitchell Starc have denied these allegations.
Why it matters
The controversy reignites a major historical scandal in international cricket, questioning the integrity of high-profile players and the transparency of past administrative investigations.
Melbourne Under-fire Usman Khawaja has withdrawn from interviews promoting his autobiography after facing criticism, while the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) has urged an end to the furore that has been reignited following his claims that the entire team was involved in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Khawaja's book, 'Sabr', which was released on Tuesday (November 10, 2026), has reignited the controversy surrounding the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018, with the former batter alleging that the entire team knew about the plan to use sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball. Warner backs Khawaja’s Sandpapergate account, calls Cricket Australia probe ‘rushed and botched’ Warner backs Khawaja’s Sandpapergate account, calls Cricket Australia probe ‘rushed and botched’ ‘It’s been eight years since I spoke on this topic. Uzzy, I throw my full support behind you.
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Usman Khawaja Cancels Book Interviews Following Renewed Cricket Scandal Debate
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