The controversy over Australia’s infamous 2018 Sandpapergate incident has resurfaced again after revelations in Usman Khawaja’s autobiography Sabr. Australia Test captain Pat Cummins addressed the allegations at an extended press conference in Sydney on Friday, November 13, 2026 and emphatically denied any involvement in planning the ball-tampering incident.
Cummins called the allegations “complete and utter nonsense” and said he had no knowledge of sandpaper being taken onto the field in Cape Town Test against South Africa.
What Did Usman Khawaja Say About Sandpapergate?
Usman Khawaja’s autobiography has reignited the ball-tampering controversy that rocked Australian cricket in March 2018.
In his book Khawaja challenged the version of events surrounding the scandal and suggested knowledge of the ball-tampering plan went beyond the three players who were punished.
He also said he had told Cameron Bancroft not to use sandpaper. The revelations have reopened questions about who knew what and whether the original investigation covered the team’s role at all.
The controversy was over the use of sandpaper to change the state of the cricket ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Pat Cummins Rejects the Allegations
Cummins denied Khawaja’s claims by saying he did not know sandpaper was being used on the field.
He said if Khawaja meant that everyone knew sandpaper was being taken onto the field then it was wrong. If he meant everyone knew sandpaper was being taken onto the field then it was wrong. If he meant everyone knew sandpaper was being taken onto the field then it was wrong.” He said if Khawaja meant everyone knew sandpaper was being taken on to the pitch then “that’s absolutely wrong”.
Cummins also denied that he and other players were part of a broader ball-tampering plan.
He said he had always given the same account over the last eight years and was not aware of the illegal activity.
Cummins Questions Khawaja's Account
Cummins told reporters at the press conference that he was disappointed with how the allegations had been presented in Khawaja’s autobiography.
He said he was shocked to find out Khawaja had admitted warning Bancroft not to use sandpaper.
Cummins wondered why Khawaja hadn’t done anything if he knew what was going on.
He also referred to Khawaja as a friend but said friends should not make statements that would affect other people’s lives and reputations.
But Cummins said he supported Khawaja’s right to tell his own story and share his experiences.
David Warner Supports Khawaja
The renewed controversy has also evoked a response from former Australia vice-captain David Warner.
Warner publicly backed Khawaja’s version of events and slammed the original Cricket Australia investigation as rushed and badly handled.
Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft were the three punished in 2018 after the investigation.
Smith and Warner were suspended for 12 months while Bancroft was suspended for nine months.
PAT CUMMINS RESPONSE...!!! 🗣️ - It's complete nonsense, Whatever Usman Khawaja has mentioned, Cummins on Press. https://t.co/d2368CC5h9
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 13, 2026
What Happened in the 2018 Sandpapergate Scandal?
The scandal happened during Australia’s Test tour of South Africa in March 2018.
Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to change the ball’s surface in Cape Town Test.
Cricket Australia suspended Bancroft, Smith and Warner following an investigation. The incident received widespread criticism and changed Australian cricket leadership as well as team culture forever.
Eight years later Khawaja’s book has put the issue back in focus.
Will Cricket Australia Reopen the Investigation?
The latest allegations have reignited questions about the original probe. But Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said there was no reason to reopen it.
Cummins has said he does not want to keep going back over an incident that damaged several players and Australian cricket’s reputation.
Cummins and Khawaja’s disagreement has put the 2018 scandal back at the centre of international cricket discussion. Whether the latest revelations change public perception remains to be seen.
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