Australian captain Pat Cummins has announced an open press conference ahead of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield clash to address the renewed Sandpapergate controversy sparked by Usman Khawaja’s recent allegations.
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has called a press conference to address allegations from former teammate Usman Khawaja.
The retired Aussie opener recently made bombshell claims about the infamous Sandpapergate during the 2018 Test tour to South Africa, saying the entire team knew about the ball tampering.
Khawaja reignited the Sandpaper debate amid the release of his memoir, Sabr, where he dedicated an entire chapter to the incident.
With fans and former cricketers questioning his silence on the matter, Cummins decided to address the drama once and for all in an open press conference.
Cummins to host an open press conference
On social media platform ‘X’, Cummins said that he will be available to speak with the media at 09:30 AM before New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match and intends to address all questions regarding Khawaja’s recent allegations.
The Australian captain added that he took time to fully understand the scope and details of the claims before responding publicly and also encouraged people to support the NSW Blues after the media briefing.
“I’m training at Cricket Central tomorrow morning before the Blues play in the Shield match. Happy to speak with any and all media about the events of this week at 9.30 am. I’ve taken some time to try and better understand the long list and full extent of Uzzy’s allegations so I can respond properly. Afterwards please stay and support the Blues! I’ll ask CA to send out details,” Cummins wrote in the post.
More from FirstcricketCummins previously denied having any idea
The veteran Aussie bowling line-up of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have previously denied having any idea about the ball being tampered with during the Cape Town Test in 2018.
Cummins’ announcement for an open press conference came soon after Khawaja’s broadcast appearance went horribly wrong.
The former opener dodged any Sandpapergate-related questions from ABC’s journalist Sarah Ferguson, who repeatedly grilled him whether the entire unit, apart from Smith, Warner and Bancroft, was aware of the incident.
Later, the publisher of Khawaja’s memoir announced that he would not participate in any further book or TV interviews, but the remaining book tour will go ahead as planned.