David Warner backs Usman Khawaja over 2018 Sandpaper Gate revelations

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Former Australian opening batter David Warner has backed Usman Khawaja following his recent statements on the 2018 Sandpaper Gate scandal, emphasising that the truth needed to be revealed. Warner also raised doubts over how the official investigation into the ball-tampering incident was handled.

In a video posted to his Instagram account, Warner offered his complete backing to Khawaja, urging viewers to concentrate on the revelations rather than questioning their timing eight years after the incident.

“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.

“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 scrutinising the person asking for accountability and start asking those responsible for the investigation to provide it,” Warner added.

Warner opened up about the impact on family after Sandpaper Gate

Warner also opened up about the emotional toll the scandal took on his family, sharing how he recently had to explain the ordeal to his daughters when they asked about the heavy media presence and tears back in 2018.

“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.

Previously, Cricket Australia (CA) and those involved maintained that Steven Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were the sole players responsible. Smith and Warner served 12-month bans, while Bancroft received a nine-month suspension.

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