'We weren't aware': Mitchell Starc stands by his version of Sandpapergate despite David Warner backing Usman Khawaja
toi
newspoint|10-11-2026
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has stood by his version of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, insisting that his recollection of the infamous Sandpapergate episode has not changed, even as former teammate David Warner publicly backed Usman Khawaja's explosive claims about the controversy.
Starc's response comes a day after Warner threw his weight behind Khawaja, describing the former Australia opener's revelations as “100% accurate” and questioning the credibility of Cricket Australia 's investigation into the incident.
Khawaja, in his autobiography Sabr, has claimed that the knowledge of the ball-tampering operation extended beyond the three players who were punished — Steve Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft — and that the entire Australian dressing room, including players and support staff, should have accepted collective responsibility.
Starc, however, maintained that his position remained consistent with the statement issued by Australia's bowling quartet in 2021, which denied prior knowledge of a foreign object being used to alter the ball.
Starc stands by 2021 statement after Warner backs Khawaja
Speaking at an event marking the launch of Australia's summer of cricket, Starc said he had not followed the renewed debate closely but made it clear that his recollection of the events remained unchanged.
“I haven't really paid much attention to it to be fair,” Starc said, as quoted by Fox Sports.
“Obviously there are differing opinions of eight years ago. We were heavily grilled through the process at the time and since. I won't speak on behalf of the bowlers, but, from where I stand, my opinion hasn't changed, and my recollection hasn't changed from what we said in 2021,” he added.
Starc also reiterated that the bowlers were unaware of any foreign substance being taken onto the field to tamper with the ball during the Cape Town Test.
“We weren't aware anything was taken on the field to be tampered with. We saw it on the big screen in Cape Town,” he said.
In 2021, Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon had issued a joint statement after their integrity was questioned over the scandal. The quartet said they did not know a foreign substance had been taken onto the field until they saw the footage on the stadium's big screen at Newlands.
Starc also addressed Khawaja's claim that sandpaper had been used during the preceding Test in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. He said he had no prior knowledge of the alleged incident and left it to those making the claims to explain further.
Warner calls Khawaja's revelations '100% accurate'
Warner, one of the three players handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia after the Cape Town incident, publicly backed Khawaja in a video posted on Instagram.
“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.
Warner also questioned why Khawaja, who was sitting next to Bancroft during the Cape Town Test, was not interviewed as part of Cricket Australia's investigation.
“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,” he said.
“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.
He also revealed that the renewed discussion had forced him to explain the events and their aftermath to his daughters, particularly his 12-year-old Ivy, who wanted to know why the family had been surrounded by cameras and why they were crying on television.
“That was a hard thing to do. But one thing I did say is, 'Girls, tell the truth, because lies will eventually get out,'” Warner said.
He concluded by reiterating his support for Khawaja, saying: “It's been a tough time for my family, Steve and Cameron no doubt, but this is what needed to come out. I fully support that, Uzzie.”
Cricket Australia rules out fresh investigation
The renewed claims have also brought Cricket Australia's original findings back into focus. The board's 2018 investigation concluded that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were involved in the ball-tampering plot, while the other members of the squad were cleared of wrongdoing.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the governing body would not reopen the investigation despite the fresh revelations in Khawaja's book.
“There are specific details in his book that contradict the versions that have been provided by others,” Greenberg said.
“We have said we're comfortable with the outcome of the investigation based on the information we've received. That includes what we've seen from Usman, and our position hasn't changed on that.”
Greenberg added that Cricket Australia did not see a compelling reason to revisit the matter.
Starc's response comes a day after Warner threw his weight behind Khawaja, describing the former Australia opener's revelations as “100% accurate” and questioning the credibility of Cricket Australia 's investigation into the incident.
Khawaja, in his autobiography Sabr, has claimed that the knowledge of the ball-tampering operation extended beyond the three players who were punished — Steve Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft — and that the entire Australian dressing room, including players and support staff, should have accepted collective responsibility.
Starc, however, maintained that his position remained consistent with the statement issued by Australia's bowling quartet in 2021, which denied prior knowledge of a foreign object being used to alter the ball.
Starc stands by 2021 statement after Warner backs Khawaja
Speaking at an event marking the launch of Australia's summer of cricket, Starc said he had not followed the renewed debate closely but made it clear that his recollection of the events remained unchanged.
“I haven't really paid much attention to it to be fair,” Starc said, as quoted by Fox Sports.
“Obviously there are differing opinions of eight years ago. We were heavily grilled through the process at the time and since. I won't speak on behalf of the bowlers, but, from where I stand, my opinion hasn't changed, and my recollection hasn't changed from what we said in 2021,” he added.
Starc also reiterated that the bowlers were unaware of any foreign substance being taken onto the field to tamper with the ball during the Cape Town Test.
“We weren't aware anything was taken on the field to be tampered with. We saw it on the big screen in Cape Town,” he said.
In 2021, Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon had issued a joint statement after their integrity was questioned over the scandal. The quartet said they did not know a foreign substance had been taken onto the field until they saw the footage on the stadium's big screen at Newlands.
Starc also addressed Khawaja's claim that sandpaper had been used during the preceding Test in Port Elizabeth, now known as Gqeberha. He said he had no prior knowledge of the alleged incident and left it to those making the claims to explain further.
Warner calls Khawaja's revelations '100% accurate'
Warner, one of the three players handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia after the Cape Town incident, publicly backed Khawaja in a video posted on Instagram.
“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.
Warner also questioned why Khawaja, who was sitting next to Bancroft during the Cape Town Test, was not interviewed as part of Cricket Australia's investigation.
“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,” he said.
“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.
He also revealed that the renewed discussion had forced him to explain the events and their aftermath to his daughters, particularly his 12-year-old Ivy, who wanted to know why the family had been surrounded by cameras and why they were crying on television.
“That was a hard thing to do. But one thing I did say is, 'Girls, tell the truth, because lies will eventually get out,'” Warner said.
He concluded by reiterating his support for Khawaja, saying: “It's been a tough time for my family, Steve and Cameron no doubt, but this is what needed to come out. I fully support that, Uzzie.”
Cricket Australia rules out fresh investigation
The renewed claims have also brought Cricket Australia's original findings back into focus. The board's 2018 investigation concluded that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were involved in the ball-tampering plot, while the other members of the squad were cleared of wrongdoing.
Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg said the governing body would not reopen the investigation despite the fresh revelations in Khawaja's book.
“There are specific details in his book that contradict the versions that have been provided by others,” Greenberg said.
“We have said we're comfortable with the outcome of the investigation based on the information we've received. That includes what we've seen from Usman, and our position hasn't changed on that.”
Greenberg added that Cricket Australia did not see a compelling reason to revisit the matter.
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