Mitchell Starc stands firm as Khawaja’s sandpapergate remarks reignite debate.

Australian fast bowler says his version of events remains unchanged amid fresh claims about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

Australian pace ace Mitchell Starc has responded to renewed discussion of the infamous Sandpapergate controversy, emphasising that his understanding of the events remains unchanged despite recent claims by former teammate Usman Khawaja.

The controversy that shook Australian cricket in 2018 resurfaced following revelations in Khawaja’s upcoming autobiography, Sabr. In the book, the former opening batter reportedly argues that responsibility for the ball-tampering episode should not have rested solely with Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. Khawaja suggests that awareness of the operation may have extended beyond the three players punished after the scandal emerged during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The incident had significant consequences for Australian cricket. Smith and Warner received one-year suspensions, while Bancroft was banned for nine months after television cameras captured him attempting to alter the ball’s condition using sandpaper. The episode triggered widespread criticism and prompted Cricket Australia to launch an extensive investigation.

Khawaja’s latest remarks have once again raised questions about what members of the squad and support staff knew during that tour. He reportedly claims that similar ball-tampering practices may have occurred earlier in the series, particularly during the Test match in Port Elizabeth, before the scandal became public.

However, Starc has distanced himself from the controversy and said he has not closely followed the recent debate. Speaking at a media interaction, the left-arm quick acknowledged that opinions still differ about the incident, but maintained that his recollection of events has not changed over the years.

Starc pointed to the position adopted by Australia’s pace bowlers in 2021, when they jointly stated they were unaware of any foreign object being brought onto the field to manipulate the ball. According to Starc, that statement still accurately reflects his understanding of the situation.

Addressing Khawaja’s suggestion that tampering may have occurred during the Port Elizabeth Test, Starc said he had no prior knowledge of the allegations. He added that the claim was new to him and preferred not to elaborate further, leaving those making the assertions to explain their accounts.

As fresh attention turns to one of cricket’s most controversial episodes, Starc remains steadfast in his stance. At the same time, Khawaja’s comments continue to fuel debate over whether accountability for the scandal was fairly distributed.