# Khawaja reveals ball-tampering team discussions

> Former Australia player Usman Khawaja claims widespread ball-tampering talks during 2018 South Africa tour.
- Title: Khawaja reveals ball-tampering team discussions · Indiatimes
- Summary: Former Australia player Usman Khawaja claims widespread ball-tampering talks during 2018 South Africa tour.
- Keywords: usman khawaja, cricket, ball-tampering, australia, cricket australia, sandpapergate, steve smith, david warner, cameron bancroft, test cricket, australian cricket, cricket scandal
- Source: Indiatimes — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/it-was-all-of-us-usman-khawaja-drops-bombshell-on-australias-2018-ball-tampering-scandal/articleshow/135624340.cms
- Author: Pranav Shukla
- Published: 2026-11-07T02:10:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: usman khawaja, cricket, ball-tampering, australia, cricket australia, sandpapergate, steve smith, david warner, cameron bancroft, test cricket, australian cricket, cricket scandal
## Khawaja's new claims
Former Australia batter Usman Khawaja has made fresh revelations about the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

> It was all of us
## Open discussions in South Africa
Khawaja alleged conversations about altering the ball took place openly during Australia's 2018 tour of South Africa.
## Ball tampering methods
He claimed players discussed different ways of roughing up the ball, including using sandpaper.
## Widespread awareness
Khawaja insisted players across different departments and support staff were aware of the discussions.
## CA's investigation findings
Cricket Australia's investigation concluded prior knowledge of the plan was limited to three players: Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
## Khawaja's status
Khawaja, who featured in 88 Tests for Australia, was cleared of wrongdoing during the investigation.
## Khawaja's retirement
He announced his retirement from international cricket in January.
## CA's response
Cricket Australia defended its investigation and maintained that its findings remained valid.
## CA's statement
CA said all relevant information presented to them was properly considered and they remain comfortable with their findings.
## Ongoing opportunity
CA also stressed there has always been an opportunity for individuals to provide additional information.
## Penalties for players
Following the 2018 investigation, Cricket Australia handed playing bans and other penalties to Smith, Warner and Bancroft.
## Head coach reaction
Head coach Darren Lehmann was cleared of direct involvement but stepped down shortly after the series.
## Cummins' response
Australia captain Pat Cummins played down suggestions that Khawaja's autobiography could reignite the controversy.
## Series outcome
South Africa won the four-match Test series in 2018 by a 3-1 margin.
## Recent tour
Australia's Test team returned to South Africa last month for the first time since the Sandpapergate controversy.
## Recent result
They suffered another series defeat, losing the three-match contest 2-1.
## Key takeaway

Usman Khawaja says Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal involved more players than CA's investigation found.