# Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja disputes findings in 2018 ball-tampering probe

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/australian-cricketer-usman-khawaja-disputes-findings-in-2018-ball-tampering-probe/
- Published: 2026-11-07T01:34:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T02:23:45+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australian-cricketer-usman-khawaja-disputes-findings-in-2018-ball-tampering-probe-6532531
- Topics: Cricket, Sport, World

## Key points

- Khawaja says ball-tampering discussions involved the wider team.
- Cricket Australia continues to defend its 2018 investigation.
- Three players were penalised; Khawaja was cleared.

## Summary

Usman Khawaja says discussions about ball-tampering during Australia’s 2018 South Africa tour were more widespread than Cricket Australia’s investigation concluded. His account challenges the finding that prior knowledge was limited to three players and renews scrutiny of the scandal that damaged the team’s integrity.

In an autobiography excerpt, Khawaja describes open, light-hearted conversations across the team about scuffing the ball, including with sandpaper. Cricket Australia says it stands by its inquiry, which found Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft had prior knowledge; all three received playing bans, while coach Darren Lehmann was cleared of direct involvement and later resigned. Khawaja, who played 88 Tests and was cleared of wrongdoing, retired in January.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.