Warner backs Khawaja's claim of team-wide knowledge in 2018 sandpaper scandal

Former Australian batsman David Warner expressed full support for teammate Usman Khawaza’s recent statements that the entire Australia cricket team was aware of the sandpaper used to alter the ball during the 2018 third Test against South Africa. In an Instagram video, Warner said Khawaza’s recollection was "100% accurate" and that the Cricket Australia inquiry had been "rushed and botched."

Warner, who retired from international cricket in 2024, added that the investigation failed to interview Khawaza, who was present with Cameron Bancroft on the day of the incident. He questioned the thoroughness of the process and called for accountability and transparency.

Khawaza, who earlier said he was surprised not to be asked for evidence, wrote that he hoped the truth would emerge after eight years. The 2018 scandal resulted in year-long bans for Warner and captain Steve Smith, and a nine-month ban for Bancroft, while bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon maintained they were unaware of the plan.

Warner also noted the personal impact of the episode, explaining that he delayed his response to discuss the events with his daughters. He urged people to seek the truth, saying falsehoods eventually surface.