Will the sandpaper scandal resurface in Khawaja's autobiography? Cummins is unconcerned for now.

The ball-tampering incident during the 2018 Cape Town Test against South Africa shook Australian cricket to its core. Renewed interest in that controversial chapter has emerged with the upcoming release of the autobiography of former Australian opener Usman Khawaja. While discussions regarding the book's contents have begun, Australian captain Pat Cummins maintains that they do not have the time to dwell on the past.
Khawaja’s autobiography, titled *Sabar*, is scheduled for release on November 10—shortly after the conclusion of Australia's three-match Test series against South Africa. According to a report by the Australian media outlet *Code Sports*, Khawaja has already given Cummins some insight into the book's subject matter. However, it remains unknown whether the book contains any new information regarding the 2018 scandal.

"You can tell your story"
Speaking to the media last Friday ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Durban, Cummins confirmed that he had spoken with Khawaja, though he was unaware of the specific details written in the autobiography.
Cummins said, "Yes, Uzzie called me a few weeks ago. He mentioned that he was publishing a book. He didn't go into great detail about the contents; he basically just told me he had written one. As always, I said, 'No problem, you can tell your story. I have no objection to that.'"

Both Cummins and Khawaja were part of the Australian squad during the 2018 Cape Town Test. It was during that match that Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper. The incident sparked intense controversy within Australian cricket.
Steve Smith was forced to step down as captain, and David Warner relinquished his role as vice-captain. Cricket Australia banned Smith and Warner for 12 months and Bancroft for 9 months for their involvement in ball-tampering.

"The matter was resolved long ago"
When asked if the book might contain new information regarding the incident, Cummins stated that the question should be directed at Khawaja. In his view, the investigation and necessary procedures concerning the event—which took place over eight years ago—were concluded at that time.
Cummins said, "I really don't know. You’d have to ask him about that. It happened a long time ago. All investigations and other processes were completed back then. I’ve answered questions about this millions of times. The matter was put to rest then."
He added, "As a team, we’ve moved on. I’m really happy with how we’ve conducted ourselves and evolved as a group over the last eight or nine years. Right now, my focus is on leading the Australian team."

Questions raised about the bowlers' role
Regarding the Cape Town Test, Australia’s four bowlers—Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon—have consistently maintained that they had no knowledge of the ball-tampering plan.
However, a comment made by Bancroft in 2021 sparked fresh questions. He hinted that the bowlers might have known more about the ball-tampering than they had admitted. Following this, the four Australian bowlers issued a joint statement urging an end to the rumors and insinuations. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia’s investigation had concluded that there was no evidence indicating any other players were aware of the plan.

Old memories resurface during the South Africa tour
Although Australia toured South Africa for limited-overs cricket after the sandpaper scandal, this marks their first Test series in the country since 2018. Consequently, the old controversy has returned to the spotlight ahead of the series.
South African broadcaster SuperSport has also been promoting the series by sharing footage of the 2018 incident on social media. Accompanying the video was their message: "Our cameras will be keeping a close watch during this three-match Test series." This post from the broadcaster—whose cameras had originally captured Bancroft’s actions—has revived memories of that past scandal.
It remains to be seen how much space the incident occupies in Khawaja’s autobiography. However, even before the book's release, Cummins has made it clear that his primary focus is on the Australian team's present and future, not past controversies.