Key points

  • Key points
  • Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg announced the board will not investigate the 2018 scandal again.
  • The decision follows claims in Usman Khawaja's new autobiography that knowledge of the ball-tampering plot was widespread.
  • Greenberg told local radio station SEN that specific details in the book contradict previous accounts provided by others.

Cricket Australia has slammed the door on any renewed inquiry into the notorious 2018 ball-tampering scandal, despite fresh claims from senior players that the plot involved the entire team. Chief executive Todd Greenberg stated that authorities see no compelling reason to revisit the controversy.

Key details

Speaking to local radio station SEN on Tuesday, Greenberg addressed the revelations made in Usman Khawaja's newly released autobiography. Khawaja alleged that open, lighthearted discussions about scuffing the ball with sandpaper occurred throughout the South African series, extending across batters, bowlers, and staff.

Greenberg acknowledged the publication but noted that players held very different views on the events. He stated that specific details in the book contradicted versions provided by others during the initial inquiries. Consequently, Cricket Australia maintains confidence in the outcome of the original investigation, which previously led to bans and penalties for David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft four days after the incident came to light.

Context and impact

The 2018 tour of South Africa remains a notable chapter in Australian cricket history. The latest assertions by Khawaja suggest that the knowledge and discussion of the prohibited tactics were far more pervasive within the squad than official findings previously established.

Summary and what next

Cricket Australia has confirmed that its position on the matter remains unchanged and nothing further can be gained by reopening the case. No additional investigations are currently planned.