Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace veteran, has addressed recent comments made by former teammate Usman Khawaja regarding the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal, commonly referred to as "sandpapergate." Starc stated that he "has not paid much attention to it," emphasizing that his stance on the matter remains consistent with the joint statement issued by the Australian bowling quartet in 2021. This response comes in light of Khawaja's revelations in his autobiography, which have reignited discussions about the scandal that shook Australian cricket.

The controversy surrounding the ball-tampering incident has lingered in Australian cricket, with Khawaja's recent claims adding fuel to the fire. In his autobiography, Khawaja has revisited the events of the scandal, prompting Starc to reaffirm his previous position. He indicated that the joint statement from 2021 still accurately reflects his views, suggesting that he sees no reason to alter his narrative regarding the incident.S1S2

Starc's remarks highlight a division in perspectives among players about the scandal, which resulted in significant penalties for several team members, including a year-long suspension for then-captain Steve Smith. As the cricket community reflects on the implications of Khawaja's autobiography, Starc's comments serve as a reminder of the complexities and ongoing discussions surrounding accountability and memory within the sport.S1S2