Melbourne, Nov 11:
Former Australia opening batter Usman Khawaja has turned down television and book promotional interviews after being aggressively questioned on live national television over ball-tampering allegations detailed in his newly published memoir, ‘Sabr’.
During a broadcast on the ABC’s 7.30 Report, host Sarah Ferguson repeatedly pressed Khawaja regarding claims that the entire Australian team was aware of plans to alter the condition of the ball during the 2018 South Africa tour, and that attempts were also made during the preceding Port Elizabeth Test. When questioned whether bowler Pat Cummins had prior knowledge of the plot, Khawaja refused to answer, stating: “I’m not going to answer that. I’ve written what I’ve written in my book. I’ve come out and stood by those guys and told my account of what I saw. I’ve been very clear in not naming names and staying out of it. I’m not going to start now.”
Following the contentious exchange, publisher Penguin confirmed adjustments to media commitments, maintaining that the public book tour remains underway. Khawaja insisted during the broadcast that writing the chapter was meant to document his experiences in a balanced manner rather than trigger a “witch hunt” against close friends and teammates.