Usman Khawaja Faces Backlash Over Interview, Postpones Future Appearances

New Delhi, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Former Australian opener Usman Khawaja has found himself in hot water following a recent interview to promote his new book, “Sabr.” The discussion, which aired on ABC, turned contentious as Khawaja struggled to provide satisfactory answers to questions regarding the infamous Sandpaper Gate scandal.

As a result of the backlash, Khawaja has decided to postpone several scheduled interviews. During the ABC segment, he was pressed on his claims related to the ball-tampering incident that occurred during the 2018 Test match in Cape Town. He largely evaded the questions, leading to criticism on social media.

Khawaja’s publisher, Penguin, confirmed that adjustments would be made to his book tour and interview schedule, although the tour itself remains active. Changes were necessary this week, but it has not been canceled altogether.

In his book, Khawaja asserts that the ball-tampering scandal was not limited to the three players who faced sanctions. He argues that most members of the Australian team were aware of the use of sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition, including during the previous Test in Port Elizabeth.

While he refrained from naming individuals, Khawaja emphasized that he was sharing his observations and experiences. When asked to support teammate David Warner in addressing the lies he claimed were spread, Khawaja stated, “I won’t speak on behalf of Davey. I’ve tried to share my story in a safe environment.”

He reiterated that he aimed to recount events without escalating tensions, standing alongside Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft, who were all punished following the scandal.

The host referenced a joint statement from Australia’s four frontline bowlers—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon—who denied knowledge of the sandpaper being brought onto the field during the Cape Town Test. Khawaja, unhappy with their statements, was asked if they were incorrect but declined to respond directly, reiterating what he had previously shared about the Port Elizabeth Test.

Khawaja acknowledged that he had deliberately left some aspects of his narrative unclear. “Sometimes I’m very open, and sometimes I’m not, and I do that intentionally as I try to tell a story,” he explained.

When questioned about the involvement of the bowlers in the ball-tampering discussions, he stated, “I won’t comment on that.” Similarly, he refused to answer whether current Test captain Cummins knew about the sandpaper use.

Khawaja maintained that he had expressed his views in his book and hoped others would also speak honestly. Throughout the interview, he stressed that he was not attempting to implicate any teammates or call for a renewed investigation by Cricket Australia into the scandal.

He also reiterated his belief that the bans imposed on Smith, Warner, and Bancroft were excessive. Smith and Warner received 12-month suspensions, while Bancroft was banned for nine months. “I’m not demanding anything. I’m just speaking my truth,” he said.

Khawaja declined to comment further on Captain Pat Cummins and admitted he does not have concrete evidence to support his claims, stating that his assertions were based on his feelings at the time. His inability to clearly articulate his claims has drawn considerable criticism.