Sandpapergate row: Starc stands by his version despite Warner backing Khawaja

Explained

What happened

The story centres on the 2018 ball-tampering incident in Australian cricket, which the reports call Sandpapergate. According to Times of India, Usman Khawaja's forthcoming autobiography suggests that more team members were involved than had been admitted at the time.

David Warner has backed Khawaja's account. Cricinfo reports him calling Khawaja's version "100% accurate". Onmanorama says Warner confirmed Khawaja's claim that Australia's entire 2018 squad knew about the scandal. AP News reports that Warner also criticised the Cricket Australia investigation as hurried and flawed, and Times of India says he was disappointed by the lack of in-depth scrutiny. IndiaToday describes Warner as breaking his silence on the matter.

Mitchell Starc has also addressed the controversy again. Times of India reports that he stands by his own version, which the paper presents as differing from the account Warner is supporting.

Why it matters

The reports present the debate as reopening questions about how far the 2018 affair extended beyond what was originally acknowledged. Warner's backing of Khawaja and Starc's stated position are being covered together, and the reports frame them as pointing in different directions.

What we don't know yet

The reports do not set out Starc's version in detail, nor do they describe the specific contents of Khawaja's book. No publication date for the book is given. The excerpts also do not include a response from Cricket Australia to Warner's criticism of its probe.

The outlets describe Khawaja's claim in different terms. Times of India says more members were involved, while Onmanorama says the entire squad knew. The reports do not clarify whether Warner's endorsement covers every detail of the account.

Written by the 91News.in desk with AI assistance, based on reports from Times of India, Onmanorama, AP News, IndiaToday, Cricinfo. Updated 11 Nov 2026, 8:05 am. Spotted an error? Tell us.