Cummins refutes Khawaja's sandpaper claims in press conference
- Pat Cummins held a 68-minute press conference in Sydney to address allegations in Usman Khawaja's book.
- Cummins denied knowing about ball tampering plans during the 2018 South Africa tour.
- Cummins stated he would not pursue legal action despite being advised that some claims are defamatory.
- CA CEO Todd Greenberg acknowledged the difficulty in determining the absolute truth regarding the events.
Pat Cummins held a 68-minute press conference at the indoor school at Cricket Central in Sydney on Friday, November 13, 2026, to address allegations made by Usman Khawaja in his book Sabr. While Cummins has performed above expectations, unresolved questions remain regarding the matter.
Cummins said if Khawaja claims everyone knew about sandpaper being used during the 2018 South Africa tour, he is "100% wrong". He said "No" when asked if he was aware of any plans to tamper with the ball during that tour.
He said he did not know the identities of the two players Khawaja alleged stopped the idea.
Cummins labels claims defamatory but declines legal action
Cummins said Khawaja's account of sandpaper being used near the boundary rope in Port Elizabeth was a "revelation".
Cummins said he had been advised that some of Khawaja's claims "are probably defamatory". He said he would not pursue legal action, saying, "You've got to move on. It's been eight years.".
He addressed the seriousness of Khawaja's claim that race was a factor in the decision regarding who would be appointed captain.
Warner criticizes Cummins as team relationships fracture
David Warner, while working on the broadcast of the Australia vs England ODI in Perth, said Cummins was "throwing Khawaja under the bus".
Cummins said he is struggling with his relationship with Usman Khawaja. He said Khawaja's "casual and flippant" attitude toward people's lives in Australian cricket is not how friends should act.
Families and personal lives affected by media scrutiny
Cummins described the media attention surrounding an incident from eight and a half years ago as "ridiculous". He reported that cameras chased him while he was with his one-year-old daughter.
Cummins stated that his wife, Becky, was "very frustrated and animated and really not happy with Usman" regarding the past incident.
He added that the ongoing situation has a serious impact on the families of David Warner, Steve Smith, and Cameron Bancroft.
CA CEO notes difficulty in finding absolute truth
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg suggested it is difficult to determine an absolute truth when there are two opposing versions of events.
Despite the current situation, it is unlikely that calls for a new investigation into the matter will cease.
Cummins reflects on past team culture and ball tampering
He described the punishments for the "Cape Town three" as "heavy-handed".
Cummins discussed the team's past "win-at-all-costs" era, citing "arrogance" and "ugliness" within that period.
Cricket continues with training and domestic performances
Khawaja has cancelled some media appearances since his interview on the ABC's 7.30 Report, although his book tour is continuing.
During a Sheffield Shield match, Sam Konstas achieved a career-best score of 173 while playing for New South Wales.
21-year-old Mahli Beardman recorded figures of 6 for 24 during his ODI debut against England.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cummins goes above and beyond, but questions remain (cricinfo.com)
- Cummins (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
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