Australian opener Usman Khawaja has reportedly disputed claims of innocence made by senior bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon regarding the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The controversy, known as the "sandpaper scandal," led to lengthy bans for then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and batsman Cameron Bancroft.
Khawaja's comments, made in a recent interview, suggest the bowling quartet were aware of the tampering during the third Test at Newlands. The four bowlers have previously maintained they had no knowledge of the plan to alter the ball's condition using sandpaper.
Cricket Australia's investigation at the time cleared the bowlers of involvement, but Khawaja's remarks have reignited debate about the extent of knowledge within the team. The scandal remains one of the most damaging episodes in Australian cricket history, prompting cultural reviews and leadership changes.
