Cummins rules out legal action over Khawaja's ball-tampering claims
The Test captain denies knowing about the 2018 sandpaper plan or helping organise it, while Cricket Australia has ruled out another investigation.
Pat Cummins has rejected allegations in former teammate Usman Khawaja's book about his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, but says he will not pursue legal action despite advice that some statements were probably defamatory.
Addressing reporters in Sydney for 70 minutes on 13 November 2026, Australia's Test captain denied knowing beforehand about the plan to use sandpaper. He also disputed Khawaja's allegation that he and other players had helped organise the scheme.
The scandal emerged when Cameron Bancroft was caught carrying sandpaper in a Test in Cape Town. An investigation found Bancroft, David Warner and Steve Smith were the only players behind the plan. Cummins considered their punishments excessive, while rejecting the suggestion that everyone in the side knew.
Khawaja wrote that he had argued for the team to share responsibility. Cummins said he could not remember those discussions. The pair had exchanged messages, and Cummins intended to speak with Khawaja.
Cummins supported Khawaja's right to give his account but accused him of treating other people's lives and reputations casually. He said he wanted to move on rather than litigate. Cricket Australia has already ruled out reopening the inquiry.
