Cummins blasts Khawaja claims in 69-minute epic presser

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Cummins blasts Khawaja claims in 69-minute epic presser. (2026, November 13). The Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/cummins-blasts-khawaja-claims-in-69-minute-epic-presser-20261113-p61dyn.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

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Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins has publicly denounced claims made by former teammate Usman Khawaja regarding the 2018 "Sandpapergate" ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, South Africa. In an intense press conference lasting over 70 minutes in Sydney, Cummins labeled Khawaja's assertions as "100 per cent wrong" and "complete and utter nonsense." The controversy stems from Khawaja’s new autobiography, Sabr, which alleges that the entire Australian team, including Cummins, knew about the scheme to use sandpaper to rough up the ball and should have taken responsibility. Cummins countered that he was 24 at the time and played in a team with a "win at all cost mentality" and "too many silos," maintaining that he had no knowledge of the tampering. He further expressed a sense of betrayal, criticizing Khawaja for being "casual" and "flippant" with the lives and reputations of his friends and the sport of cricket. While Cummins stated he wanted to move on from the scandal, he also revealed that he had personally witnessed ball tampering during the Sheffield Shield competition, though he refused to provide specific details. Khawaja has since cancelled several media appearances following the public fallout but denied withdrawing from his book tour.

Written for “Sandpapergate scandal” on 2026-11-14, grounded in this article and the 16 other(s) covering the same event.

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Sydney Morning HeraldThis outlet13 Nov

This analysis explores the ongoing fallout of the 2018 "sandpapergate" scandal, specifically focusing on the conflicting testimonies between retired opener Usman Khawaja and current Test captain Pat Cummins. During a 68-minute press conference in Sydney, Cummins explicitly rejected Khawaja’s claims of a team-wide conspiracy as "100 per cent wrong" and "utter nonsense." The author argues that the Australian public…

Two men, two diametrically opposite accounts. A choice must be made: Team Uzzie or Team Pat? →7 articles from Sydney Morning Herald on this story

BBC13 Nov

This analysis explores the renewed scrutiny surrounding the 2018 "sandpapergate" ball-tampering scandal following the release of a memoir by former player Usman Khawaja. Khawaja claims the entire Australian team knew about the scheme to tamper with the ball during a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town, a plot that originally saw three players receive lengthy bans. Australian captain Pat Cummins faced…

Australian cricket's sandpapergate is back - and it cuts deep in a 'nation of good sports' →2 articles from BBC on this story

Dawn14 Nov

This analysis piece reports on the rekindled controversy surrounding the 2018 "Sandpapergate" ball-tampering scandal following the release of Usman Khawaja's autobiography. Khawaja claims the entire team knew about the plot to alter the ball during the Cape Town Test against South Africa, a claim Australian captain Pat Cummins vehemently denied during a 70-minute press conference on Friday. While figures like Justin…

Stench of ‘Sandpapergate’ set to linger as scandal reignites →2 articles from Dawn on this story

Al Jazeera13 Nov

Australia cricket captain Pat Cummins has denied allegations from former teammate Usman Khawaja linking him to the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. This news report details how Cummins rejected claims made in Khawaja's new book regarding the use of sandpaper during that event. Cummins stated he feels betrayed by the accusations and maintains he had no involvement in the scandal.

Australia captain Cummins denies involvement in ‘Sandpapergate’ →2 articles from Al Jazeera on this story

ABC News (AU)13 Nov

Pat Cummins held a passionate, hour-long press conference where he accused Usman Khawaja of being "casual" with people's lives and reputations. Cummins dismissed Khawaja's claims about the 2018 ball-tampering incident as "complete and utter nonsense." He also acknowledged witnessing ball tampering during Sheffield Shield matches but refused to provide further details.

Cummins hits out at Khawaja in passionate hour-long press conference →

Daily Mail13 Nov

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins addressed the media in Sydney on Friday to refute claims of a marital row after being photographed in a heated discussion with his wife, Rebecca, outside their home. Cummins clarified that his wife was actually frustrated with former teammate Usman Khawaja, whose autobiography released on Tuesday sparked a new controversy regarding the 2018 "Sandpapergate" ball-tampering…

Pat Cummins reveals his wife urged him to 'be honest' about Sandpapergate after Usman Khawaja's bombshell claims: 'People are hurting' →

Compared with similar articles

This article reads unscored and hedges an unknown share of its claims. Each row says how that neighbour differs.

Cummins hits out at Khawaja in passionate hour-long press conference Same event

ABC News (AU)

Hedges 1 of 4 claims Outlet record 67/100

Pat Cummins press conference live updates: Australian cricket captain to speak about Usman Khawaja’s ‘Sandpapergate’ claims Different event

The Guardian

Hedges 2 of 25 claims Outlet record 65/100

“Article A discusses the context and background of Usman Khawaja’s memoir 'Sabr', while Article B reports on Pat Cummins' press conference reaction to Khawaja’s claims, indicating different specific events.”

Cummins to 'respond properly' to Khawaja claims tomorrow Different event

ABC News (AU)

Hedges 0 of 10 claims Outlet record 67/100

“Article A mentions Cummins will respond to Khawaja's claims tomorrow, while Article B reports Cummins already gave a press conference about the claims.”

Live: Cummins to address ball tampering claims after Khawaja revelations Different event

ABC News (AU)

Hedges 1 of 14 claims Outlet record 67/100

“Article A describes multiple cricket match scores, while Article B mentions Cummins addressing claims in a press conference.”

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Sandpapergate scandal

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Cummins blasts Khawaja claims in 69-minute epic presser

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