South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has declined to engage with the resurfaced Sandpapergate controversy following revelations in Usman Khawaja’s new autobiography, “Sabr. The book has rekindled the embers of controversy over what has come to be called Sandpapergate into a raging blaze. Even so, calls for a new investigation into the saga are growing louder.
Khawaja has alleged that three South African players were involved in ball-tampering during the 2018 Test series, a claim that has ignited intense scrutiny within Australia. I don’t see where we get involved in that.”. Yet South Africans don’t seem to care.
When asked about these allegations at a press conference in Johannesburg on Friday, Rabada, who was the leading wicket-taker in that series with 23 wickets at an average of 19.26, distanced himself from the topic. “My take on it is we’re not concerned about what they have to deal with,” he stated, emphasizing that it is an Australian issue rather than one his side needs to address. He wasn’t asked the question above, in fairness to Rabada. And it allowed Rabada to shoulder arms and let the flaccid enquiry pass by like a misdirected bouncer, that’s a wholly different question. “I haven’t read his book, nor am I interested in his claims or remarks,” one said. “I hope he has evidence for what he has said.”.
Rabada was specifically questioned about the fallout currently impacting Australian cricket. While the media inquiries did not directly ask if he believed the allegations were credible or if he had discussed them with teammates, his response effectively shut down the line of questioning. This controversy follows Khawaja’s broader assertion in his book that the entire Australian squad was aware of the ball-tampering plot during the 2018 series, a statement he reiterated to Nine media by saying, “It was all of us. Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff. All of us.” Or whether he thought Khawaja’s allegation was credible. Both methods are open and shut cases of ball-tampering. Each and every day I have the opportunity to represent my teammates and myself is me continuing to live my dream. To keep playing for the badge and not give up, after going through all the ups and downs it pays off to keep at it.
This claim directly contradicts Australian captain Pat Cummins, who addressed the media in Sydney last Tuesday. Cummins labeled the accusation “complete and utter nonsense,” maintaining that if Khawaja suggested the team knew about the sandpaper specifically, he was entirely incorrect. Meanwhile, other members of the 2018 South African team have expressed indifference toward the claims. One teammate noted he was uninterested in the allegations, while another dismissed the situation as a “mud-slinging contest” that he had no stake in. A CA investigation at the time found that guilt attached only to then captain Steven Smith, David Warner — the vice-captain and the plan’s mastermind — and Cameron Bancroft, who was caught on camera rubbing sandpaper on the ball to increase the chances of obtaining reverse swing. According to pat Cummins, who played in the series, called a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday. “When [Khawaja], We all knew, if by that he means we knew sandpaper was going out on the field, he’s 100% wrong,” Cummins said.
The cultural divide regarding ball-tampering remains a point of contention.
While Australians have reacted with profound shock to the scandal, historically, South African players have faced sanctions for similar acts without triggering comparable national outcry.
Faf du Plessis was penalized for ball-tampering against Pakistan in 2013 and Australia in 2016, while Vernon Philander was cited for scratching the ball during a 2014 Test in Galle. Despite these incidents, Cricket South Africa and local observers have largely left punishment to the ICC, leading to questions about why such behavior has not faced the same level of internal scrutiny as in Australia. And, three years later, saliva from his mouth — which contained a sugary sweet — to try to make the ball swing, du Plessis used the zip on his trouser pocket in 2013. Contrast that with not a public peep of protest being uttered in South Africa when Proteas players have been caught doing the same thing. Asked a former senior crew member with SuperSport, South Africa’s host broadcaster — whose cameras caught Bancroft in the act — why repeat offenders South Africa have never been exposed in their own country. “Be.
Rabada, who recently broke the record for reaching 350 Test wickets in the fewest deliveries, remains focused on his current form. South Africa enters a series against Bangladesh at the Wanderers this Sunday riding high after their 2-1 victory over Australia last month. As the world’s number one Test team, they are well-positioned to defend the WTC title won at Lord’s last June. He hoped the Bangladesh series would continue to “show how healthy cricket is”.
Reflecting on his career, Rabada described representing South Africa as a “blessing” and a “gift.” He expressed satisfaction with the high level of fan engagement during recent matches, noting it came as a pleasant surprise. “I’m really chuffed at the engagement from the fans. I love that we can contribute to people’s entertainment; that’s what we ultimately do,” he said. Looking ahead, the team is preparing for a busy summer that includes three Tests against England scheduled for December and January, marking a significant return to home soil after a 20-month hiatus. Rounding out a bumper summer in the format for a team who didn’t play a home Test for 20 months before October this year, england will play three Tests in the country in December and January.
