Watch: “100% Accurate” – David Warner supports Usman Khawaja’s claims on Sandpaper Scandal of 2018

Former Australia opener David Warner has publicly backed Usman Khawaja’s explosive claims about the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal, calling his account “100% accurate”. Warner shared a video on Instagram supporting Khawaja after the latter alleged that the entire Australian team knew about the ball-tampering incident but failed to object.

Khawaja made the revelations in his upcoming autobiography Sabr, arguing that Warner, Steven Smith and Cameron Bancroft were made to take responsibility for an incident involving the wider team. Warner, who received a one-year ban following Cricket Australia's investigation, has now supported his former teammate and questioned the way the matter was handled.

Warner also defended Khawaja against criticism over speaking about the incident eight years later. He further questioned the investigation into the 2018 Cape Town Test, claiming that the interview process was rushed and that Khawaja was not interviewed despite being present in the dressing room.

Watch video of David Warner supports Usman Khawaja’s claims-

David Warner backs Usman Khawaja: What he said about the sandpapergate claims

David Warner fully backed Khawaja's version of events in his Instagram video. Supporting his former teammate, Warner said, “What you've said is 100% accurate. Now everyone knows the truth. It's out there. People wanted to know it, and you've come out and said it.”

Warner also defended Khawaja against questions about why he had waited eight years to speak publicly. He questioned why people were focusing on the timing of the revelations and the release of his book instead of discussing the actual incident. Warner said, “Now people are asking, why eight years later? They're talking about selling a book. Is this a Brisbane story? This is what Usman believes. Has he written down every single thing from that day onwards?”

The former Australia opener also criticised the investigation into the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. He said the process was rushed and incomplete because Khawaja, who was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft in the dressing room, was not interviewed. Warner said, “The whole interview process was rushed and botched. Uzi was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft. Uzi was not interviewed. How is that a thorough investigation? It baffles me.” He added that the focus should be on accountability and transparency rather than questioning the person speaking about the incident. 

See Also: Watch: “Un-Australian and disgraceful”: David Warner tears into Australia after 176-run defeat vs South Africa

What Usman Khawaja claimed in his book Sabr about the 2018 sandpapergate scandal

In his upcoming autobiography Sabr, Usman Khawaja has claimed that the entire Australian team knew about the ball-tampering incident during the 2018 Cape Town Test. He believes David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft were made to take responsibility for something that involved more people within the team. Khawaja also questioned why other players and members of the support staff were not held accountable.

Khawaja later addressed the criticism through a series of Instagram videos, explaining that he had tried to raise the issue in 2018 and again in 2021. However, he did not want to take the matter further while he was still part of the Australian dressing room. He also said he waited until Australia's recent tour of South Africa was over before sharing his claims publicly.

See Also: Usman Khawaja reveals entire Australian team was involved in 2018 Sandpaper Gate scandal

Khawaja further revealed that he had promised his childhood friend Warner that he would tell the truth about what happened. This would also allow Warner to share his side of the story. Warner said the revelations had been difficult for his family, especially when he had to explain the incident to his daughters after they saw the emotional scenes on television.

Warner said, “But one thing I did tell them was: girls, tell the truth. Because lies will eventually come out.” Warner ended his message by supporting Khawaja, saying, “It's been a tough time for my family, Steven and Cameron, no doubt. But this is what needed to come out. I fully support that, Uzi.”