Mitchell Starc Denies Ball Tampering Claims as Cricket Australia Rejects New Probe
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has denied knowing about the ball tampering plan during Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa, as Cricket Australia confirmed it will not reopen the investigation into the controversial Sandpapergate scandal.
The controversy resurfaced after former Australian opener Usman Khawaja claimed in his autobiography that the entire team knew about efforts to alter the cricket ball.
Mitchell Starc Rejects Khawaja’s Allegations
Speaking to reporters in Sydney on November 10, Starc maintained that his understanding of the incident had not changed.
He referred to a 2021 statement issued alongside fellow bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, denying prior knowledge of sandpaper being used on the ball.
Starc also rejected suggestions that he knew about alleged tampering during the second Test in Gqeberha, before the incident became public in Cape Town.
Usman Khawaja Makes Fresh Revelations
In his autobiography, Sabr, Khawaja alleged that knowledge of the ball tampering plan extended beyond the three players originally punished.
Former Australian opener David Warner publicly supported Khawaja’s version, criticizing the original investigation as rushed and incomplete.
The 2018 scandal resulted in significant disciplinary action against Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft, damaging Australian cricket’s international reputation.
Cricket Australia Rules Out Fresh Investigation
Despite renewed criticism, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said there was insufficient justification to launch another investigation.
Greenberg explained that players held conflicting accounts of the events and maintained confidence in the original findings.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has also joined calls for the case to be reconsidered.
Sandpapergate Controversy Continues
The renewed allegations have divided cricket commentators and raised fresh questions about accountability within the Australian team.
Some critics have questioned why Khawaja waited eight years before publicly sharing his account.
However, Khawaja dismissed suggestions that his comments were intended to increase book sales.
For now, Cricket Australia’s decision means the original investigation remains closed, although disagreements between former teammates continue to attract attention.
