Former Australian opener David Warner has broken his eight-year silence on the controversial 2018 Sandpapergate scandal, strongly supporting Usman Khawaja’s claims that the entire Australian team knew about the ball-tampering plan during the South Africa tour.
Warner described Khawaja’s revelations as “100 per cent accurate” and questioned the investigation conducted by Cricket Australia following the incident.
In a video shared on Instagram on Monday, November 9, Warner thanked his former teammate for speaking publicly about the controversy.
“It’s been eight years since I’ve spoken on this topic,” Warner said, adding that Khawaja had his complete support. He insisted that the truth had finally emerged and questioned why people were criticising Khawaja for revealing his account after so many years.
The controversy resurfaced following revelations from Khawaja’s upcoming autobiography, Sabr. Khawaja claimed that discussions about ball tampering were known throughout the Australian dressing room, including among players and support staff.
The original scandal erupted during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town in March 2018, when Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the condition of the cricket ball.
Following an investigation, Warner and then-captain Steve Smith received 12-month suspensions, while Bancroft was banned for nine months.
However, Warner has now challenged the thoroughness of that investigation, describing the interview process as rushed and poorly handled.
He questioned why Khawaja, who was sitting beside Bancroft in the dressing room, had never been interviewed during the inquiry.
Warner emphasised that his intention was not to blame individuals but to demand accountability and transparency regarding how the investigation was conducted.
The former Australian batter also revealed the emotional impact the controversy had on his family.
He explained that conversations with his daughters had encouraged him to speak publicly, particularly after they questioned why their family had faced such intense attention during the scandal.
Recalling those difficult discussions, Warner said he had taught his children an important lesson about honesty.
“Lies will eventually come out,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has defended its original investigation, maintaining that the available evidence was properly examined and that its findings remain valid.
Australian bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon had previously denied knowing about the tampering plan.
Warner’s latest statements have renewed debate over one of Australian cricket’s biggest controversies, raising fresh questions about responsibility, transparency and whether the complete truth surrounding Sandpapergate has ever been established.
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