Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has firmly shut down calls to revisit the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, stating there is “no compelling reason” to reopen the investigation. Speaking to the Sports Entertainment Network, Greenberg, who assumed the role in March 2025, addressed the recent controversy sparked by Usman Khawaja’s autobiography. Although Greenberg admitted he has not yet read the book, he expressed “huge respect” for Khawaja’s right to share his version of events while noting that specific details in the text contradict previously provided accounts.
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The dispute centers on Khawaja’s claim that the entire Australian squad was aware of the use of sandpaper to alter the ball’s condition during the third Test against South Africa in 2018. This assertion directly challenges the findings of the original Cricket Australia investigation, which concluded that the bowling attack was unaware of the tampering. The incident originally resulted in significant bans for captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and batter Cameron Bancroft, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s history.
Seamer Mitchell Starc has voiced his disappointment at Khawaja’s allegations, highlighting the internal friction caused by the new revelations. Greenberg’s stance suggests that Cricket Australia will stand by the original findings, prioritizing finality over reopening a chapter that has already defined the modern era of Australian cricket. As the industry moves forward, the CEO’s refusal to re-examine the evidence signals a definitive end to the legal and administrative aspects of the 2018 scandal, leaving the narrative debate to the players themselves.
Source: BBC Sport
