# Khawaja denies throwing ‘anyone under the bus’ with comments about ball-tampering scandal

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/khawaja-denies-throwing-anyone-under-the-bus-with-comments-about-ball-tampering-scandal/
- Published: 2026-11-08T05:01:35+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T06:43:08+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/khawaja-denies-throwing-anyone-under-bus-comments-about-ball-tampering-scandal-6533946
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Khawaja says he did not blame other players for Sandpapergate.
- He argues the team should share responsibility for the scandal.
- Smith, Warner and Bancroft were the only players banned.

## Summary

Usman Khawaja has denied that comments in an autobiography excerpt blamed other players for Australia’s 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. He says he wants the team, himself included, to accept shared responsibility and move on.

The scandal, known as “Sandpapergate”, followed the use of sandpaper to scuff the ball during a Test in Cape Town. Captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were the only players banned, though Khawaja says they took the blame for the team and deserve justice. Australia’s recent return to South Africa, where they lost a three-Test series 2-1, renewed discussion of the affair.

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