Eight years after the ball-tampering scandal, former Australia cricketer David Warner has reopened an uncomfortable chapter, throwing his full support behind Usman Khawaja and questioning the credibility of the investigation conducted in 2018.

The former Australian opener responded to Khawaja's recent remarks about the infamous Sandpaper Gate controversy through a video posted on Instagram.

Warner defended his former teammate's decision to speak about the incident years later, insisting that the focus should remain on the revelations rather than the timing of their disclosure, as Khawaja recently revealed that the entire team knew about the issue.

"It's been eight years since I've spoken on this topic. And Uzzie (Usman Khawaja), I throw my full support behind you. I thank you for what you've done. It's 100% accurate what you've said. Now everyone knows the truth. It's out there. People wanted to know it; you've come out and said it, and now people are saying, 'Why eight years on?' Talking about selling a book-this is Usman's story. This is what Usman believes," Warner said.

Warner Questions Thoroughness Of Sandpaper Gate Investigation

Warner's strongest criticism was directed towards the process followed by Cricket Australia during its investigation into the 2018 Cape Town Test scandal. He questioned why Khawaja, who was reportedly sitting alongside Cameron Bancroft, was not interviewed during the inquiry.

"Now, this whole interview process was rushed and botched. Uzzie was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft; Uzzie was not interviewed. How is that a thorough investigation? It baffles me. We're not here to point fingers, and we're not opening our wounds. It's about accountability, transparency, ensuring that the truth is properly examined. And perhaps it's time people stop scrutinising the person asking for accountability and start asking those responsible for the investigation to provide it," Warner added.

David Warner Reveals Difficult Conversation With Daughters

The controversy also continues to have personal consequences for Warner. The former opener revealed that he recently had to explain the incident to his daughters, particularly his 12-year-old Ivy, who wanted to understand the emotional scenes involving her family during the scandal.

"Now, there were a lot of statements and inaccuracies over the last eight years that were out in the media by people, and there were a lot of people who stayed silent. The last couple of days, I've had to be, I've been talking to my daughters, and that's why it's taken me a couple of days to get this out, because I've had to tell them exactly what had happened. Especially my 12-year-old, Ivy, wanting to know why we were holding her, why there were so many cameras, why we were crying on TV," Warner added, admitting the impact on the families of Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, reiterating his backing for Khawaja.

"It's been a tough time for my family, Steve and Cameron no doubt, but this is what needed to come out. I fully support that, Uzzie," he concluded.

Revisiting Australia's 2018 Ball-Tampering Scandal

The Sandpaper Gate controversy erupted during Australia's Test tour of South Africa in March 2018, when Bancroft was caught attempting to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper during the Cape Town Test.

Cricket Australia subsequently handed Smith and Warner 12-month suspensions from international and domestic cricket, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban. Smith was stripped of the captaincy, while Warner was also handed a leadership ban.

Story first published: Monday, November 9, 2026, 14:41 [IST]

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