Melbourne, November 14,2026: Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram has questioned Australia captain Pat Cummins’ claim that he was unaware of the use of sandpaper during the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, saying any experienced bowler would immediately recognise the difference between natural ball wear and deliberate damage.
Speaking in a video shared on social media on Saturday, Wasim said the marks left by sandpaper were distinctly different from those caused by the ball hitting the ground.
“As a bowler, I’ll have a look at the ball and know straight away something is not right,” Wasim said.
He explained that bowlers regularly inspect and maintain the condition of the ball, adding that sandpaper scratches could easily be distinguished from ordinary wear.
Wasim suggested that the difference could be demonstrated by rubbing sandpaper against a semi-new cricket ball and comparing the resulting marks with those caused by normal play.
Describing Cummins as a “very close friend”, the former Pakistan captain said he was not taking sides in the controversy, which has resurfaced following revelations by former Australia opener Usman Khawaja in his autobiography Sabr.
Khawaja alleged that knowledge of the ball-tampering plan was widespread within the Australian dressing room, including among the bowling group, during the 2018 tour of South Africa.
During the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition. Then-captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Bancroft subsequently received suspensions, while Cricket Australia launched a wider review of the team’s culture.
Cummins rejected Khawaja’s allegations during a lengthy press conference in Sydney on Friday, describing them as “100 per cent wrong” and “complete and utter nonsense”.
The Australia captain maintained that he had no knowledge of sandpaper being taken onto the field and denied being involved in planning the ball-tampering scheme. He also expressed shock over Khawaja’s claim that he had warned Bancroft to be careful while using the sandpaper.
Wasim said the renewed controversy had raised broader questions about Australia’s reputation for honesty and sportsmanship.
“Australians are famous for their straightforwardness, their hardness on the field and off the field, and most importantly honesty. I think that’s why the whole nation has been under stress a bit,” he said.
He expressed hope that the matter would eventually be resolved.
Cricket Australia has ruled out reopening its investigation into the 2018 scandal despite the fresh allegations.
Wasim’s comments have added another prominent voice to the debate over what members of the Australian team knew during one of the most damaging episodes in the country’s cricket history, more than eight years after the Newlands incident.
