Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has reignited global cricket discussions by revealing in his new autobiography, 'Sabor', that the entire team bore responsibility for the infamous 2018 Sandpaper Gate scandal in Cape Town, rather than just Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft.
In excerpts and video messages released ahead of his book launch, Khawaja explained why he remained silent for eight years. He revealed that he had attempted to reveal the full context in 2018, but was stopped by then-captain Steve Smith, who insisted on taking sole responsibility. In 2021, after Cameron Bancroft hinted that the bowling attack was aware of the ball-tampering, Khawaja tried again, only to be silenced by a joint statement from the bowlers denying involvement.
Read nextUsman Khawaja Alleges Pakistani Heritage and Pay Dispute Blocked Australia Captaincy in 2018Khawaja credited his childhood friend and longtime opening partner David Warner as the primary inspiration for finally speaking out. Emphasizing that the banned trio unfairly bore the brunt of public vilification while the rest of the touring party stood silent, Khawaja stated, "We were all involved... This three-person blame limitation was unjust." Now that he is no longer an active part of the national squad in the same capacity, Khawaja says his words reflect personal accountability rather than team disruption.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sports Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
