Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has defended his recent comments about the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal, insisting he has not “thrown anyone under the bus” and maintaining that responsibility for the incident extended beyond the three players who ultimately faced punishment.
Khawaja’s remarks have reignited debate around one of the most controversial episodes in Australian cricket history, following his claim that sandpaper had been used during the Test series in South Africa and that the wider team shared responsibility for what occurred.
A day after making the revelations, Khawaja posted a lengthy explanation on social media, detailing why he chose to speak publicly now and explaining that he had previously attempted to reveal more details about the incident.
According to Khawaja, he initially intended to speak out within days of the scandal becoming public in 2018 but was persuaded not to do so by former Australian captain Steve Smith. He also claimed that he made another attempt in 2021 to ensure greater accountability from the broader team before public statements from several bowlers denied any knowledge of the incident.
Khawaja said he had made a promise with longtime friend David Warner that he would fully explain his understanding of the events after retirement, believing that Warner, Smith, and Cameron Bancroft ultimately carried the blame on behalf of others.
“I haven’t thrown anyone under the bus,” Khawaja said.
The veteran batter argued that current and former teammates who were present during the South Africa tour should not be viewed as victims.
“The guys that are currently in the team right now and the other people that were there on the South African tour, including me, we’re not the victims.”
Instead, he said the greatest burden had been borne by the three players who were sanctioned in the aftermath of the scandal.
“These three guys took the blame for all of us. They’re the victims.”
“People telling them that they’re cheats, getting nailed by the crowd. Public humiliation.”
The Cape Town ball-tampering incident remains one of the defining moments in Australian cricket history, resulting in lengthy suspensions for Smith, Warner, and Bancroft, as well as a major review of Australian cricket’s culture and leadership.
Khawaja’s comments have once again sparked discussion about accountability, team culture, and whether the full story of the scandal has ever been publicly told.
+ There are no comments
Add yours