Khawaja claims entire Australia team knew about 2018 ball-tampering scandal

What the report says

Former Australia opener Usman Khawaja has said that the whole national side knew about the 2018 ball-tampering incident in Cape Town, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting from 7 November 2026. Khawaja, who was not accused in the original probe and retired earlier this year after 88 Tests, made the remarks ahead of the release of his autobiography, which includes a chapter on the episode.

The scandal, widely known as “Sandpapergate,” led to captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being sent home during the South Africa tour. Cricket Australia later found those three were the only players with prior knowledge, and issued bans: Smith was sidelined for a year, Warner for 12 months, and Bancroft for nine months. Coach Darren Lehmann was cleared of direct involvement but resigned after the series.

Khawaja told the Sydney Morning Herald that responsibility should not have been limited to the three players punished in the aftermath. He also said discussions about roughing up the ball had taken place during the earlier Test in Port Elizabeth, now Gqeberha, and described the team as collectively aware of what was being considered.

Cricket Australia responded that it was satisfied with the original integrity process, while saying it would review any new relevant information. The remarks matter because they reopen a major controversy that damaged Australian cricket’s reputation and had long been described as involving only a small group of players.