Former Australian opening batsman Usman Khawaja is constantly seen getting embroiled in controversies. Now he has canceled many of his interviews. Khwaja is launching his book 'Sabr' these days. In this he has mentioned the sandpaper controversy of 2018. This controversy has once again created a stir in the cricket world. The latest controversy started when Usman Khawaja was asked a question about Pat Cummins in an interview during the promotion of the book. On this he refused to answer. After this, Khawaja canceled his remaining TV and radio interviews.
After the video of ball tampering surfaced, action was taken against Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and Steve Smith. In the investigation by Cricket Australia (CA), these three players were found to be involved in ball tampering but Khawaja has made a different claim in his book. Khawaja says that all the players of the team were aware of this entire matter.
Khwaja took a big decision
Khawaja also claimed that sandpaper was also used in the match played in Port Elizabeth (Kebekha) before the Cape Town Test. When he was asked questions regarding these claims in the interview, he refused to answer. After this he also canceled many TV interviews.
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According to Australian media ABC Sports, Penguin, the publisher of Khawaja's book, has confirmed the change in his book tour and TV interview. However, it was not told which interviews have been cancelled. Khawaja could not give direct answers to many questions in his interview with ABC Sports. After this he was criticized a lot.
Many players including Starc denied the claims
Players like Mitchell Starc have already termed Khawaja's claims wrong. When Khawaja was questioned on the statements of these players, he tried to avoid answering. He refused to say anything on this issue. Let us tell you that in the year 2021, Australia's four big bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins had issued a joint statement on the entire controversy. In this he had clearly said that he was not aware of any plan to tamper with the ball.
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During the interview, Khawaja was asked a question regarding David Warner's statement. On this he said that one day the truth will be revealed to everyone. He also made it clear in his reply that he will not talk to Warner in this matter. Khwaja said that he had already presented his side.