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Khawaja rejects ‘witch hunt’ claims over Sandpapergate

The revelations challenge the findings of Cricket Australia's original investigationFormer Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja denied trying to spark a "witch hunt" over Sandpapergate, as calls grow to reopen a probe into the ball-tampering scandal.Khawaja said in his autobiography released on Tuesday that the…

Khawaja rejects ‘witch hunt’ claims over Sandpapergate
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The revelations challenge the findings of Cricket Australia's original investigationFormer Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja denied trying to spark a "witch hunt" over Sandpapergate, as calls grow to reopen a probe into the ball-tampering scandal.Khawaja said in his autobiography released on Tuesday that the…

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He said he was simply "sharing my version of the truth"."I've told my story and I've told my truth," he said."I'm not calling for anything," he insisted.

"All I've ever wanted for us is to take accountability as a team.""This has never been a witch hunt for me, it's only been those three guys who've had to cop this flak for a long time," he said, referencingDavid Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who were sent home in disgrace after the ball tampering was exposed.A Cricket Australia investigation found they were the only three players with prior….

Not the batters, not the bowlers, not the staff.

All of us," he told the Sydney Morning Herald at the weekend ahead of its release.

Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg on Tuesday ruled out reopening the investigation into the scandal, saying he did not see "any compelling reason" for a new probe.Greenberg said he would consider Khawaja's revelations — which were on Monday backed as "100 percent accurate" by fellow opener David Warner — but said there was no need for further action.Pat Cummins, now Australia captain, and fellow bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and….

Darren Lehmann, who was head coach at the time, has also denied there was widespread knowledge among the players.But Khawaja's close friend Warner on Monday released an Instagram video where he said he agreed with the 39-year-old's version of events.

"Uzzie, I throw my full support behind you.

I thank you for what you've done," said Warner, who was suspended for 12 months from cricket and received a life ban from any future captaincy or leadership roles for his part in the scandal."It's 100 percent accurate what you've said.

Now everyone knows the truth.

You've come out and said it," he said.

PUBLISHER22Media International
EDITORIAL STANDARDAccuracy · Corrections · Accountability
COVERAGE DESKPakistan