Usman Khawaja pulls out of book interviews after sandpaper allegations; ACA calls for end to personal attacks
Under-fire Usman Khawaja has withdrawn from interviews promoting his autobiography in Melbourne after the book's release on November 10, 2026, as criticism resurfaced over his claims about the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) urged an end to the personal attacks and the renewed public furore surrounding the issue.
Khawaja's autobiography, titled Sabr, was published on Tuesday (November 10, 2026) and alleges that the entire Australian team knew of a plan to use sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball during the Cape Town Test against South Africa in 2018. In the book he contends that then captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft were made scapegoats by cricket administrators. The claims have reignited debate over the events of that tour.
Former teammate Mitchell Starc publicly rejected Khawaja's assertions, reiterating the position he took in 2021 that the bowlers were not aware of the conspiracy. Starc’s response forms part of a broader split in accounts among players who were on that tour.
The controversy intensified after Khawaja struggled to address questions about the allegations during an ABC interview on Tuesday (November 10) evening. Interviewers asked specifically whether the four front-line bowlers — Pat Cummins, Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon — had been part of discussions around ball-tampering and whether current Test captain Cummins knew in advance about the use of sandpaper; Khawaja refused to answer and said he had merely told his "truth" in the book.
Publisher Penguin confirmed adjustments had been made to Khawaja's promotional schedule but denied any major cancellations. "The book tour is 100% still going ahead; we've just had to make some adjustments this week, but no major cancellation of the tour at all," the publisher said in a statement.
The ACA stopped short of endorsing any individual account but called for the online abuse directed at those involved to end, noting the lasting impact of the episode. "The events of the 2018 South African tour were a low point for Australian cricket. Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft paid an enormous price for what happened, one that was greater than and, as the ACA said at the time, disproportionate to any precedent in the game," ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said in a statement. "Eight years on, it is understandable that those involved may have different recollections and perspectives of what took place. Players and staff at the heart of the issue are entitled to share their experiences, just as others are entitled to put such a challenging period in their lives behind them." Marsh added: "There are no winners in this issue, and nothing can undo what happened. But we must recognise that there are humans at the centre of this, and we will continue to call for the ongoing vitriol directed at those involved to come to an end. The price paid, both professionally and personally, has already been too great." He also said: "The ACA will not be commenting on individual accounts of what took place. The ACA's role is to support our members, and we have been in contact with all players on that tour to offer our support. This support extends to all members of the ACA and their families."
David Warner publicly backed Khawaja's account and urged Cricket Australia to reopen its investigation into the 2018 episode, describing the original probe as "rushed and botched". Khawaja has also alleged in his autobiography that he was subjected to racial abuse by a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club in the Lord's Long Room during the 2023 Ashes series following the dismissal of England batter Jonny Bairstow.
Penguin says the promotional tour will continue with adjustments, and the ACA has stated it remains in contact with all players from that tour to offer support, leaving the dispute subject to further public and media scrutiny as the book tour proceeds.
