Sandpapergate is an Australian issue, not South Africa's concern, says Kagiso Rabada

Usman Khawaja's autobiography, released on November 10, 2026, has reignited the Sandpapergate controversy by claiming that illegal ball-tampering practices were far more widespread than Cricket Australia's original investigation had established. The Australian batter's book contains allegations that players from South Africa were also involved in the scandal during the 2018 Test series between the two nations. However, Kagiso Rabada has made clear that South Africa will not engage with the controversy or accept any responsibility for the matter.

Rabada addressed the renewed focus on the scandal when he spoke to media in Johannesburg on Friday. The South African fast bowler's comments came as the ball-tampering incident, which first came to light during the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town in 2018, continues to generate debate across the cricket world. Rabada's position was unambiguous regarding his country's involvement in the matter.

"We're not concerned about what they have to deal with. It's not our topic to deal with. It's obviously an Australian topic. I don't see where we get involved in that," Rabada said as quoted by India Today.

During the 2018 Test series in South Africa, Rabada established himself as the leading wicket-taker across the contest, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 19.26. His exceptional performance during that tour underscores his prominence in the series during which the ball-tampering incident occurred at Cape Town. The controversy has resurfaced following Khawaja's recent publication, but Rabada's stance suggests South Africa intends to remain outside the debate.

Away from the controversy, Rabada is focused on building on his return from injury as South Africa prepare to face Bangladesh in a Test series beginning at the Wanderers on Sunday.

"I've been good. Obviously, I haven't played cricket for a while. It's my first time coming back. I was meant to be involved in the ODIs, so that wasn't the greatest start to the summer. But I've just been pretty chilled," Rabada concluded.