David Warner questioned the thoroughness of the 2018 Sandpaper Gate investigation, pointing out that Usman Khawaja was not interviewed despite sitting right next to Cameron Bancroft, as the former opener finally broke his silence on one of the most controversial chapters in cricket history.
Sydney: Former Australian opening batsman David Warner has come out in strong support of teammate Usman Khawaja following Khawaja's recent disclosures regarding the 2018 Sandpaper Gate controversy. Warner commended Khawaja for speaking out and openly questioned the integrity of Cricket Australia's original investigation into the ball-tampering scandal.
In a video posted to his official Instagram account, Warner backed Khawaja's account of events, urging critics to focus on the facts presented rather than questioning the timing of the revelations eight years after the incident in South Africa.
“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 also raised serious concerns over how the initial probe was conducted in 2018, pointing out key oversights in the governing body's inquiry process.
“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 scrutinizing the person asking for accountability and start asking those responsible for the investigation to provide it,” Warner added.
Reflecting on the personal toll of the controversy, the former opener revealed that the recent public discussion prompted him to address the issue directly with his young daughters.
“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 said.
He described the conversation with his children as deeply emotional, emphasizing the importance of honesty despite the painful memories associated with the period.
“That was a hard thing to do. But one thing I did say is, 'Girls, tell the truth, because lies will eventually get out.' It was a very tough time. This is for everyone in Australia. It's been—it's been the question that everyone's been asking. Uzzie, you've told it how it is. It's 100% accurate,” the former Australian cricketer added.
Reiterating his solidarity with Khawaja, Warner acknowledged the lasting impact the scandal had on the families of all players involved.
“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.
For years, Cricket Australia's official stance held that only Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were aware of or involved in the plot to alter the condition of the ball during the Cape Town Test. The scandal resulted in 12-month bans for Smith and Warner, while Bancroft served a nine-month suspension. (ANI)