David Warner, the former Aussie opener, has publicly backed teammate Usman Khawaja’s revelations regarding the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, labelling Cricket Australia’s (CA) original integrity inquiry as “botched” and calling for increased transparency.
Speaking via an Instagram video while participating in the Nepal Premier League, Warner broke an eight-year silence on the “Sandpapergate” topic. His comments arrive just ahead of the release of Khawaja’s autobiography, Sabr, in which Khawaja alleges that sandpaper was used prior to the South Africa match and contends that knowledge of this incident extended beyond the three players sanctioned. Khawaja also disclosed that despite sitting next to Cameron Bancroft, he was never interviewed by investigators despite offering to share what he knew.
“Uzzy, I throw my full support behind you,” Warner stated, validating Khawaja’s account as “100% accurate.” Warner questioned how an investigation could be considered thorough when key squad members were passed over during the process. He added that he delayed his statement to discuss the incident with his children first, advising them on the importance of honesty.
Cricket Australia issued a statement defending its 2018 probe, maintaining that all available information was properly evaluated and that it stands by its conclusions.
Although the CA executives who oversaw the investigation are not in the board anymore, active players including Mitchell Starc and ODI captain Mitchell Marsh are anticipated to address the renewed controversy during upcoming media availability.
