Khawaja's Book Reopens Australia's Ball-Tampering Controversy

The ball-tampering scandal that rocked Australian cricket during the 2018 South Africa tour has returned to the spotlight following revelations reportedly made by former Australia opener Usman Khawaja in his upcoming book. Khawaja is said to have claimed that several members of the Australian team were aware of the ball-tampering incident, but only then captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft were held responsible. Warner backed Khawaja's account, arguing that Cricket Australia's investigation into the controversy was rushed and flawed. He also said he fully supported Khawaja and that the issue had remained unresolved for years.

However, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc rejected Khawaja's claims. Reiterating his position from 2021, Starc maintained that the bowlers on the field had no knowledge of the ball-tampering incident. The controversy dates back to the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018, when Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball before attempting to hide it in his pocket. Cricket Australia subsequently handed Bancroft a nine-month suspension, while Smith and Warner received one-year bans each. Khawaja's upcoming book has now reignited debate over the incident and the way the investigation was handled.