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Australia captain Pat Cummins denies involvement in ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal
Australia captain Pat Cummins has again denied knowing about or helping plan the use of sandpaper to alter the ball during the 2018 Test series against South Africa. His response follows former teammate Usman Khawaja’s claim that players knew about the tactic, prompting calls for the incident to be investigated again.
Khawaja’s autobiography also alleges that Cummins and others were architects of a wider plan, which Cummins called “utter nonsense”; he said there was no team meeting or master plan. Steve Smith and David Warner each received a year-long ban, while Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Warner has defended Khawaja’s account, and Cummins also rejected Khawaja’s claim that his background affected his chances of becoming captain.
In short
- Cummins denies knowing about or planning the sandpaper plot.
- Khawaja’s book has renewed calls for an investigation.
- Warner says Khawaja’s account is true.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Khawaja’s account, supported by Warner, could justify renewed scrutiny if it raises credible questions about who knew of or helped organise the ball-tampering plan. A further investigation could clarify individual responsibility and whether the original sanctions fully reflected what happened, particularly given the serious consequences already imposed on some players.
The case against
Cummins has directly denied prior knowledge and any wider plan, calling the allegations nonsense; without independently verified evidence, it would be unfair to treat disputed claims as established fact or presume his involvement. Reopening a damaging episode on the strength of conflicting retrospective accounts alone could also undermine due process and unfairly extend the reputational harm to those accused.