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How Is That Thorough Investigation; It Baffles Me: Warner Questions Sandpaper Probe, Throws Support Behind Khawaja

Cape Town Test: Former Australia opener David Warner has publicly backed Usman Khawaja following the latters recent revelations about the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, endorsing his former teammates account while questioning the credibility of Cricket Australias investigation into the episode. Sharing a video on Instagram about his take on the entire episode, Warner captioned, Some things are bigger than cricket. This isnt about reopening old wounds. Its about acknowledging that some wounds never properly healed. I stand with my brother Usman Khawaja. Speaking your truth takes courage, especially when people would rather you stay silent. Time passing doesnt replace accountability, and asking questions shouldnt be mistaken for holding grudges. Respect, honesty and accountability. Thats all anyone can ask for. Warner said Khawajas version of events deserved to be heard without further scrutiny of his decision to speak out eight years later, arguing that greater accountability should instead be demanded from those who conducted the investigation. Hi everyone, its been eight years since Ive spoken on this topic and Uzzi, I throw my full support behind you. I thank you for what youve done. Its 100% accurate what youve said. Now everyone knows the truth, its out there. People wanted to know it, youve come out and said it and now people are saying, Why eight years on? talking about selling a book. This is Usmans story; this is what Usman believes. Uzzi wrote down every single thing from that day on. Uzzi, thank you, Warner said in the video. He also questioned the manner in which the investigation was conducted, pointing to what he described as a significant omission in the interview process involving Khawaja and Cameron Bancroft. He argued that the absence of Khawaja from the formal questioning raised questions about whether the inquiry had adequately examined all the relevant accounts. Now this whole interview process was rushed and botched. Uzzi was sitting next to Cameron Bancroft. Uzzi was not interviewed. How is that a thorough investigation? It baffles me. Were not here to point fingers, and were not opening up wounds. Its about accountability and transparency, ensuring that the truth is properly examined, and perhaps its time people stop scrutinising the person, asking for accountability and start asking those responsible for the investigation to provide it. Now there was a lot of statements and inaccuracies over the last eight years that were out in the media by people and there was a lot of people who stayed silent, he stated. The former Australia vice-captain also spoke about the personal consequences of revisiting one of the most controversial episodes in Australian cricket. Warner revealed that Khawajas latest comments had prompted difficult conversations with his daughters, particularly his 12-year-old Ivy, who wanted to understand the emotional scenes surrounding the scandal and the attention it continues to attract. The last couple of days, Ive been talking to my daughters, and thats why its taken me a couple of days to get this out because Ive had to tell them exactly what had happened, especially my 12-year-old Ivy. Wanting to know why were holding her, why there were so many cameras, why were crying on TV. That was a hard thing to do. But one thing I did say is, Girls, tell the truth, because lies will eventually get out. Its a very tough time. This is for everyone in Australia. Its been the question that everyones been asking. Uzzi, youve said it how it is, its 100% accurate. Its been a tough time for my family, Steven (Smith) and Cameron no doubt, but this is what needed to come out. I fully support that, Uzzi, Warner concluded. The last couple of days, Ive been talking to my daughters, and thats why its taken me a couple of days to get this out because Ive had to tell them exactly what had happened, especially my 12-year-old Ivy. Wanting to know why were holding her, why there were so many cameras, why were crying on TV. That was a hard thing to do. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS