# Lehmann denies Khawaja’s Sandpapergate claims

> Former Australia coach Lehmann says team didn’t universally know 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
- Title: Lehmann denies Khawaja’s Sandpapergate claims · Sportstar
- Summary: Former Australia coach Lehmann says team didn’t universally know 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
- Keywords: sandpapergate, lehmans, khawaja, australia, steven smith, david warner, cameron bancroft, ball-tampering, cricket, 2018, sandpaper gate, Sportstar
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/former-australia-coach-lehmann-gillespie-reaction-usman-khawaja-sandpapergate-ball-tampering-scandal/article71677846.ece
- Author: Team Sportstar
- Published: 2026-11-07T09:31:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sandpapergate, lehmans, khawaja, australia, steven smith, david warner, cameron bancroft, ball-tampering, cricket, 2018, sandpaper gate, sports
## Lehmann denies team knowledge
Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann says he could not speak for other players about the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal.
## Khawaja claims team involvement
Usman Khawaja said all Australian players were involved in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal during South Africa tour.
## Lehmann’s response to Khawaja
Lehmann said knowledge of ball-tampering may not have been universal among players.
## Lehmann on ball-tampering
Lehmann explained ball-tampering has been part of cricket for 150 years and is now obsolete.
## Gillespie reacts to claims
Jason Gillespie called Khawaja’s account of team involvement 'fascinating'.
## Lehmann questions timing
Lehmann suggested Khawaja’s revelations might be linked to his book publication.
## Lehmann on consequences
Smith and Warner received 12-month suspensions while Bancroft got nine-month sanction after scandal.
## Lehmann resigns after tour
Lehmann resigned as head coach after 2018 tour and apologized for Australia’s actions.
## Lehmann on moving forward
Lehmann said discussing Sandpapergate is difficult but they must move forward after the incident.
## Key takeaway

Lehmann denies Khawaja’s claim that all Australian players knew about 2018 Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal.