The debate surrounding Australia's infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal has returned to the spotlight following fresh revelations in Usman Khawaja's autobiography, Sabr. The former Australia opener's book, released on November 10, 2026, has raised questions about how many members of the touring squad knew about the use of sandpaper during the South Africa tour.

Khawaja has claimed that the incident in Cape Town was not limited to a handful of individuals and suggested that responsibility extended beyond the players who were punished by Cricket Australia (CA). He also alleged that sandpaper had been used during the previous Test in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha.

His revelations have received support from former Australia opener David Warner, who described Khawaja's account as "100% accurate". Warner also criticised CA's investigation into the controversy, calling it "rushed and botched".

Amid the renewed debate, comments made by the late Australian great Shane Warne in 2022 have resurfaced. The legendary leg-spinner had questioned whether CA had disclosed the complete truth about the scandal and raised doubts about the joint statement issued by Australia's four frontline bowlers.

What did Shane Warne say about Sandpapergate and Cricket Australia?

Warne discussed the issue during an appearance on Fox Cricket's 'Follow-On' podcast in February 2022, just weeks before his sudden death in March that year. While criticising CA's handling of Justin Langer's departure as head coach, the former spinner also brought up the unresolved questions surrounding the Cape Town ball-tampering incident.

He openly questioned whether the Australian cricket board had revealed everything it knew about the controversy and whether the people in charge were withholding any information.

"We still don't know the truth about what actually happened at Sandpapergate. Does Cricket Australia know the truth? Do they?"

Warne went on to question whether the same officials who were involved in managing Australian cricket at the time had complete knowledge of the incident. He also suggested that there were still unanswered questions surrounding the scandal.

"Do the same people know the truth about Sandpapergate? Are they hiding anything?" he asked.

The 708-wicket Test legend also turned his attention towards Australia's four frontline bowlers — Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. The quartet had issued a joint statement in 2021, denying any knowledge of the plan to use sandpaper during the Cape Town Test.

The group had referred to themselves as the "bowling cartel" and used nicknames, including "GOAT" for Lyon. Warne questioned the statement and suggested that the complete picture might not have emerged.

"We've seen that the bowling cartel, as they call themselves, or 'Winx' and 'GOAT' and all these unbelievable nicknames they have for themselves. These guys wrote a letter saying they had no knowledge of whatever went on. That might be correct. But if it's not and they've done that, there are all sorts of whispers or rumours that we all have heard. And one day the truth will come out."

Warne reiterated his doubts towards the end of his comments, questioning why only Steve Smith and David Warner faced 12-month suspensions, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month ban following the investigation.

"Does Cricket Australia know the truth? Is it the truth that we've heard? Why should Smith and Warner be the only two? Who knows. But the truth will come out."

How have Usman Khawaja's revelations reignited the Sandpapergate debate?

In Sabr, Khawaja has challenged the widely accepted narrative that the 2018 ball-tampering incident was confined to Smith, Warner and Bancroft. He wrote that the responsibility extended across the touring group, stating, "It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us."

The former opener also claimed that sandpaper had been used in the Test preceding the Cape Town game. His account has prompted renewed scrutiny of the original investigation, with Warner questioning why Khawaja was never interviewed despite being seated next to Bancroft in the dressing room.