Mitchell Starc Reaffirms 2021 Stance on Ball-Tampering Scandal
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has officially denied having any prior awareness regarding the use of sandpaper by his teammates during the 2018 tour of South Africa. The controversy, which led to significant bans for captain Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft, has recently resurfaced following claims from Usman Khawaja that all team members were aware of the ball-tampering scheme. David Warner has since supported Khawaja’s assertions, labeling them as “100 percent accurate.”
Addressing the renewed speculation, Starc maintained his firm stance on the collective statement issued by the Australian bowlers in 2021. At that time, the group asserted, “We pride ourselves on our honesty… We did not know a foreign substance was taken onto the field to alter the condition of the ball until we saw the images on the big screen at Newlands.” During a press interaction on Tuesday, November 10, Starc emphasized that his memory of the events remains unchanged and he has paid little attention to the recent media coverage surrounding Khawaja’s disclosures. According to my recollection hasn’t changed from what we, In 2021.”. On Tuesday (November 10), Starc reiterated his position on the incident. “I haven’t really paid much attention to it [the coverage of Khawaja’s claims],” Starc stated. “Obviously, there are different opinions to about eight years ago. But where I stand, my opinion hasn’t changed, i won’t speak on behalf of the bowlers. “It’s about accountability, transparency, ensuring that the truth is properly examined and perhaps it’s time people stop scrutinising the person, asking for accountability and start asking those responsible for the inves.
Khawaja has faced criticism from various observers for both his prolonged silence on the matter and for releasing his claims alongside the publication of his book. Starc declined to engage with the details of the book, stating, “It’s obviously in a book. That’s for someone to explain further. As far as our statement said, we weren’t aware of it being taken on the field. That’s where I’ll leave it.” He added that he has not read the book and does not intend to do so.
The debate coincides with comments from Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg, who stated on Tuesday that there is insufficient evidence to justify reopening an investigation into the incident, unless new, compelling information emerges that aligns with the accounts of all parties involved. Greenberg’s remarks followed Warner’s public criticism of the original investigation process, which the former opener described as “rushed and botched.” Warner argued that the focus should shift toward holding investigators accountable for the transparency of the process rather than scrutinizing the individuals involved.
Regarding Khawaja’s specific allegations that the sandpaper was utilized during the second Test in Port Elizabeth, Starc unequivocally denied such knowledge. “That’s the first I was aware of it,” Starc stated, referring to the moment the incident appeared on the stadium screen in Cape Town. Starc noted that he has not spoken with Khawaja since the recent allegations surfaced, and when asked about the possibility of future communication with his former teammate, he simply remarked that the decision remains entirely up to Khawaja.
