SYDNEY (Web Desk) – Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has weighed in on Australia's long-running sandpaper scandal, reignited by the release of former Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja's autobiography, The Art of Patience.
Following the publication of Khawaja's book, the controversy resurfaced, prompting statements from David Warner and Australia captain Pat Cummins. Wasim Akram has now also shared his views on the matter.
In a social media post, Wasim said he had been hearing about the controversy over the past week. He observed that bowlers could tell whether a cricket ball had been tampered with.
Referring to his friend Pat Cummins, Wasim said the Australian captain had also stated that he was unaware of the alleged incident.
My two cents on the sandpaper issue. https://t.co/ig3HcQpkdK
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) November 14, 2026The former fast bowler said it was possible that the team members might not have known what was happening at the time, adding that this was his personal opinion and could be either right or wrong.
In his video message, Wasim explained that bowlers routinely handle the ball and maintain one side of it, while scratches naturally develop through bouncing and friction.
However, he said scratches caused by sandpaper were entirely different from those resulting from the ball bouncing on the ground.
Drawing on his experience as a fast bowler, Wasim said an experienced player could recognise when something was wrong with the ball as soon as it came into their hands.
He expressed hope that the controversy would eventually be resolved.