Usman Khawaja Cancels Book Interviews Following Renewed Cricket Scandal Debate

Former Australian cricket opener Usman Khawaja cancelled promotional interviews for his new autobiography on Wednesday after his comments reopening the 2018 ball-tampering scandal sparked widespread disagreement among former teammates.

Publisher Penguin informed media outlets of adjustments to the promotional schedule for Khawaja's book, titled "Sabr," following his appearance on an Australian Broadcasting Corporation television program on Tuesday.

The disruption comes as Australia prepares to host New Zealand in a four-Test series starting Dec. 9 in Perth, with former players expressing concern that the renewed debate will distract the national team.

"Guys have had their say," said Adam Gilchrist, the former Australian vice-captain. "We've just got to deal with it and move on."

In his book, Khawaja wrote that the entire Australian team was aware of the plan to use sandpaper to alter the ball during the 2018 Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.

Former opener David Warner supported the claims, describing the original Cricket Australia investigation as "rushed and botched" after administrators initially disciplined only three players.

"All I've ever wanted is for us to take accountability as a team, and I don't think that's a lot to say," Khawaja said during his television interview.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc rejected the assertions on Tuesday, reiterating that the team's bowlers had no advance knowledge of the ball-tampering plot.

During his television appearance, Khawaja declined to answer whether current Test captain Pat Cummins knew about the sandpaper use, stating he had already provided his account in his book.

"I don't believe the whole team would have got a ban if we went in together," Khawaja said.

Paul Marsh, the chief executive of the Australian Cricketers' Association, urged the public to stop directing abuse at the players involved in the controversy.

"Eight years on, it is understandable that those involved may have different recollections and perspectives of what took place," Marsh said.

Todd Greenberg, the chief executive of Cricket Australia, ruled out reopening the official investigation, noting that players are unlikely to reach a consensus on the events of 2018.

Penguin stated that the broader book tour remains active, while Australia's players now turn their attention to the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand next month.