Watch: “My opinion hasn’t changed” – Mitchell Starc responds to Usman Khawaja’s 2018 Sandpaper claims

Mitchell Starc has responded to Usman Khawaja's fresh Sandpaper Gate claims. Khawaja recently alleged that the entire Australian team knew about the 2018 ball-tampering incident. However, Starc has refused to change his stand on the controversy and said that his opinion about the incident remains the same as it was in 2021.

Khawaja made the claims in his autobiography Sabr, bringing the infamous scandal back into the spotlight. The incident took place during Australia's 2018 tour of South Africa. Cameron Bancroft, Steven Smith and David Warner were punished by Cricket Australia for their involvement.

Starc was part of that Australian team and has now rejected Khawaja's claims. He has stood by the statement released by Australian bowlers in 2021. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg has also responded and ruled out reopening the investigation.

What Mitchell Starc said on Usman Khawaja’s Sandpapergate claims: “My opinion hasn’t changed”

Speaking to reporters, Mitchell Starc said he had not paid much attention to the latest discussion. He also made it clear that his views had not changed since the 2021 statement. Starc said, “I haven't really paid much attention to it [the coverage of Khawaja's claims]. Obviously, there are different opinions to about eight years ago. We were heavily drilled through the process at the time since. Now, I guess, I won't speak on behalf of the bowlers, but where I stand, my opinion hasn't changed. My recollection hasn't changed from what we said in 2021.”

Watch Mitchell Starc responds to Khawaja’s Sandpapergate Claims video here-

Starc also responded to Usman Khawaja's claims about what happened during the Cape Town Test. He said the statements made in the book would need to be explained by the author. Starc added, “It's obviously in a book. That's for someone to explain further. As far as our statement said [in 2021], we weren't aware of it being taken on the field. That's where I'll leave it.”

The Australian fast bowler was also asked about Khawaja's claim that sandpaper was used during the second Test. Starc said he did not know about such an incident before the Cape Town Test. He stated, “That's the first I was aware of it [in Cape Town]. I'll leave that for the said author to explain.”

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

Cricket Australia rules out reinvestigation of Sandpaper gate: what Todd Greenberg said

Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg has also reacted to Khawaja's claims in his book Sabr. Speaking on radio station SEN, Greenberg said he respected Khawaja's opinion. However, he pointed out that the claims were different from what others had said during the original investigation.

“There are specific details in his book that contradict the versions that have been provided by others,” Greenberg said. He also explained that players had been given opportunities to share what they knew about the incident. Greenberg added, “It's important to know that back at that time, players were urged to come forward, and they had the opportunity to do so over these past eight years, and that remains the case.”

Greenberg further confirmed that Cricket Australia had no plans to reopen the investigation. He said the board was satisfied with the findings based on the information collected at the time. Greenberg stated, “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.”

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

The Cricket Australia chief also ruled out any fresh investigation into the 2018 Sandpaper Gate scandal. He said there was no strong reason to revisit the issue after eight years. Greenberg concluded, “We don't see any compelling reason to open the investigation or revisit this again. I don't think there's anything that can be gained from that.”