Khawaja cancels media appearances after Sandpapergate questioning

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 11 Nov, 13:21 · Archive

Usman Khawaja has cancelled some television and radio interviews promoting his autobiography after being questioned about ball-tampering allegations.

Usman Khawaja, who retired from international cricket in early 2025 after 88 Tests, has cancelled some television and radio interviews promoting his autobiography Sabr. His publisher Penguin confirmed on Wednesday that several media appearances scheduled for the week had been adjusted following an interview with ABC broadcaster Sarah Ferguson on Tuesday night.

During the interview, Ferguson repeatedly pressed Khawaja about claims in his book that all members of the Australian team were aware of the 2018 ball-tampering scheme during the Test series in South Africa. When asked whether specific bowlers – Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon – had been involved in conversations about ball tampering, Khawaja refused to elaborate. 'I'm just not going to entertain that,' he said.

Khawaja insisted in the interview that he wanted his former teammates to take collective responsibility as a team. He said the book provided 'a safe space' to write about the scandal and that he was 'sharing my version of the truth' rather than 'calling for anything'. He added that his original draft contained names but he had 'pulled it back' when editing.

Khawaja's claims challenge Cricket Australia's 2018 investigation, which found that the national side's bowling attack were unaware of the ball-tampering. The fall-out from the series led to bans for captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and fellow batter Cameron Bancroft. The four bowlers remain fixtures in the national side and issued a joint statement in 2021 saying they 'did not know a foreign substance was taken on to the field'.

Penguin said in a statement to ABC that while adjustments had been made to Khawaja's schedule this week, 'the book tour is one hundred per cent still going ahead'. Khawaja signalled during the ABC interview that he would not discuss his allegations further, saying: 'I've written in my book, that's my statement, that's what it is, and I'm not going to really speak on any more of it at this moment in time.'

How it is being reported

• Khawaja refuses to name Aussie ball tamperersThe publisher of Usman Khawaja's autobiography denies his promotional tour has been cancelled but says there have been "adjustments" to the schedule.BBC News · 11 Nov, 09:41
• Usman Khawaja bunkers down as book tour ‘adjusted’ amid ball-tampering claimsBook tour will still go ahead but with changes this week’s schedule Khawaja evasive when questioned on ABC’s 7:30 Report Usman Khawaja’s promotional book tour has been subject to “adjustments” after the former Australia Test batter was grilled about certain claims on the ABC’s 7.30 Report. Khawaja pulled out of some radio and television spots on Wednesday, with his publisher Penguin saying that while the tour had not been cancelled entirely, changes had been made to his schedule this week. Continue reading...The Guardian · 11 Nov, 04:18
• Publisher confirms 'adjustments' to Khawaja book tour after fiery exchangeUsman Khawaja cuts down on media appearances regarding his book, Sabr, following incessant questions about the Sandpapergate chapter.ABC News Australia · 11 Nov, 00:54
• Usman Khawaja reportedly cancels TV and radio interviews after grilling from ABC: 'I'm not going to answer that'Usman Khawaja has reportedly cancelled his remaining TV and radio interviews promoting his book SabrDaily Mail Sport · 10 Nov, 23:49

In this story: Usman Khawaja · Sarah Ferguson · Steve Smith · David Warner · Cameron Bancroft · Penguin · ABC · South Africa

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log