Warner says Khwaja’s statements reopen 2018 scandal, affect his family

In a candid Instagram video, former Australian cricketer David Warner expressed full solidarity with Usman Khwaja after the latter reiterated his version of the 2018 ball‑tampering episode. Warner said Khwaja’s revelations have forced the cricket community to confront “old wounds that never healed.”

He criticized Cricket Australia’s investigative approach, noting that the lack of a formal interview with Khwaja suggested a gap in the probe’s completeness. Warner argued that the focus should shift from silencing dissenters to holding the investigators accountable.

The video also revealed how the renewed controversy has impacted Warner’s personal life. He described conversations with his daughters, particularly 12‑year‑old Ivy, who has been asking why the media was so intense and why the family had to watch the scandal unfold on television. Warner admitted that explaining the situation was “very hard,” but emphasized the importance of teaching children to value truth.

Warner concluded by thanking Khwaja for speaking out, calling his statements “100 % correct,” and urging the sport to prioritize honesty, integrity and responsibility.

The 2018 test in Cape Town, where Australia’s captain Steve Smith and Warner were suspended alongside Cameron Bancroft for alleged ball‑alteration, remains one of cricket’s most debated incidents. Khwaja’s recent claims that the entire team was aware have reignited the debate.