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Usman Khawaja warns Pat Cummins over controversial Sandpapergate details in his new book

Usman Khawaja’s upcoming autobiography, *Sabr: Finding My Way in Cricket and Life*, set for release on November 3, 2026, is poised to revisit one of Australian cricket’s most contentious episodes—the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town. The 448-page memoir, published by Penguin Books Australia, delves into Khawaja’s personal journey, from his early years across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Australia to his rise as the nation’s first Muslim Test cricketer.

It also chronicles his career setbacks and resurgence, culminating in his 2023 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award. Before its publication, Khawaja met privately with Australia captain Pat Cummins and Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg to discuss the book’s contents, including his perspective on the fallout from the scandal, where he has previously advocated for shared responsibility beyond the three players initially penalized.

The timing of the release coincides with Australia’s return to South Africa for a Test series, reigniting focus on the incident that rocked the sport eight years ago. Khawaja’s account is expected to explore the circumstances surrounding Cameron Bancroft’s sandpaper use during the third Test, though no new accusations against additional players or staff have been confirmed.

The book’s release marks the first time Khawaja has authored his own memoir without a ghostwriter, offering an unfiltered look at his experiences and the challenges of navigating high-pressure moments in cricket.

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