{
  "id": 18868195,
  "title": "‘I haven’t thrown anyone under the bus’: Khawaja hits back amid Sandpapergate row",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/i-havent-thrown-anyone-under-the-bus-khawaja-hits-back-amid",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T05:13:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/i-havent-thrown-anyone-under-the-bus-usman-khawaja-hits-back-amid-sandpapergate-row/articleshow/135651992.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "USMAN KHAWAJA claims in his upcoming autobiography that the entire Australian cricket team was aware of the ball-tampering attempts during the 2018 Test series against South Africa, a scandal known as 'Sandpapergate'. This revelation, which was not limited to the third Test in Cape Town, also occurred in the previous match, according to Khawaja's account. His comments have sparked a backlash, with former Australia coach Darren Lehmann and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan criticizing his assertions. Khawaja has taken to social media to clarify his remarks, stating that he stands by his account and that the media has exaggerated the situation. Khawaja maintains that the responsibility for the ball-tampering episode should be shared by the entire team, and he refuses to speak on behalf of others in his book, contrary to the accusations made by the clickbait media.",
  "summary": "In his autobiography, Usman Khawaja reveals that the entire Australian cricket team was aware of the ball-tampering incident during their 2018 tour of South Africa. He addressed claims that he kept this information hidden for personal benefit, emphasizing his desire for collective accountability. Khawaja voiced disappointment in teammates unwilling to accept shared responsibility. His comments…",
  "key_points": [
    "USMAN KHAWAJA reveals team's awareness of ball-tampering in Sandpapergate",
    "Claims made in upcoming autobiography contradict previous statements",
    "Criticized by former coaches, maintains responsibility shared by team"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}