Born in Pakistan · Nationality Australian — Sport / international cricket

Usman Khawaja

Updated on 10 November 2026

Former Australian international cricketer who made disclosures about Sandpapergate.

Usman Khawaja is an Australian cricketer. The ICC reprimanded him in 2023 over an unauthorized black armband; he disputed how the rule was applied. In November 2026 his memoir asserted widespread team knowledge of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, disputed by Cricket Australia and former teammates.

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2Documented controversies

4Sources

0Formal charge · all time

0Conviction

§ Legal statuses reflect the documented sources as of the date shown; they replace neither court decisions nor the presumption of innocence. Counts are not a rating. Methodology

I. Documented controversies

November 2026

2026: disputed disclosures about the 2018 ball-tampering affair

No legal proceedings

In his memoir Sabr, Khawaja said players and support staff knew sandpaper was being used during the 2018 South Africa tour, contrary to the original disciplinary investigation. Former players and coaches disputed parts of his account.

State of the evidence: Memoir statements and reactions by Cricket Australia and former team members.
Legal status — source text: Public cricket dispute; no criminal case against Khawaja identified.
Attribution: His claimed knowledge of ball tampering, without implying a personal disciplinary sanction.

Sources · 3

[1]
ABC News AustraliaUsman Khawaja says every Australian team member knew about Sandpapergate ball tampering7 November 2026MediaHigh reliability
[2]
ABC News AustraliaUsman Khawaja defends timing of sandpaper revelations, says Steve Smith wanted to take the blame8 November 2026MediaHigh reliability
[3]
ABC News AustraliaDarren Lehmann denies Usman Khawaja’s sandpaper claims7 November 2026MediaHigh reliability

Last verified: 10 November 2026

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December 2023

2023: ICC reprimand for wearing a black armband

Civil / administrative proceedings

The ICC reprimanded Khawaja for wearing an unauthorized black armband during a Test against Pakistan. The incident followed a dispute about solidarity messages concerning civilians in Gaza.

State of the evidence: ICC statement reported by AP, ABC and BBC.
Legal status — source text: Sport disciplinary reprimand, not criminal proceedings.
Attribution: Breach of regulations governing personal messages on playing equipment.

Sources · 1

[1]
ABC News AustraliaUsman Khawaja to speak to ICC after reprimand for wearing black armband in first Pakistan Test22 December 2023MediaHigh reliability

Last verified: 10 November 2026

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II. Constellation of documented links

Linked profile (portrait or initials) — click to open it
Line width: number of documented references
Hover over or tap a line: controversies and sources

Two profiles are linked when a documented controversy of one names the other. The link points to that controversy and its sources; it does not indicate a personal relationship.

List of documented links (2)

Cricket Australia1 documented reference
- 2026: public challenge to the 2018 inquiry findings Source ↗
Jasprit Bumrah1 documented reference
- January 2025: verbal confrontation with Sam Konstas in Sydney and team celebration Australia called intimidating, without ICC charge Source ↗

III. Has something changed?

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Controversia profile, updated 10 November 2026. Latest version: https://controversia.info/en/fiche/usman-khawaja