{
  "id": 19910757,
  "title": "'Sandpaper scratch is totally different': Wasim Akram questions Australian bowlers' 'didn't know' defence in Sandpapergate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/sandpaper-scratch-is-totally-different-wasim-akram-questions",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-14T03:29:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/sandpaper-scratch-totally-different-wasim-032931266.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wasim Akram has come under fire for questioning whether Australian bowlers were aware of using sandpaper on cricket balls during the controversial 2018 series in South Africa, known as the Sandpapergate scandal. The former Pakistan pacer, a renowned reverse-swing bowler, stepped into the debate after Australian Test captain Pat Cummins admitted he didn't know about the use of sandpaper during the series. Akram, who considers Cummins a close friend, argued that any experienced bowler could tell the difference between natural wear and sandpaper scratches on a ball. He posted a video on social media, inviting fans to try rubbing sandpaper on a semi-new ball to see the distinct difference in the scratches. In his video, Akram emphasized that his comments were not meant to take sides but to remind Australians of the values the cricketing world associates with them, namely honesty. He concluded by expressing his hope that the situation would be resolved, stating this was his personal opinion.",
  "summary": "Calling Pat Cummins a 'very close friend,' Pakistan legend Wasim Akram explains why any experienced bowler would spot sandpaper scratches on a ball immediately.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian",
        "title": "Pat Cummins press conference live updates: Australian cricket captain speaks about Usman Khawaja’s ‘sandpapergate’ claims",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/pat-cummins-press-conference-live-updates-australian-cricket-captain",
        "published": "2026-11-12T22:49:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Sandpaper row: Pat Cummins opens up on legal action against Usman Khawaja",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/sandpaper-row-pat-cummins-opens-up-on-legal-action-against-usman",
        "published": "2026-11-13T02:37:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ESPNcricinfo",
        "title": "What Cummins said: Relationship with Khawaja, Australia's 'underbelly' and the 'most serious' claim",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/what-cummins-said-relationship-with-khawaja-australias-underbelly-and",
        "published": "2026-11-13T07:39:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "'Gloves are off' - how Australian papers reacted to Cummins on Khawaja",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/gloves-are-off-how-australian-papers-reacted-to-cummins-on-khawaja",
        "published": "2026-11-13T21:53:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}