David Warner alleges his teammates of not supporting him after the Sandpapergate Scandal

Australian cricketer David Warner opened up about the impact of the infamous 'Sandpapergate' scandal of 2018 on his international cricketing career. David Warner admitted that the incident will forever cast a shadow over his cricketing legacy, hoping to be remembered for his significant contributions to the sport.

Steve Smith and David Warner, captain and deputy of the Australian cricket team at the time, received one-year bans after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Opening batter Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Warner was also permanently banned from taking any leadership roles in Australian cricket.

David Warner is likely to conclude his 15-year international cricket career after the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. The southpaw retired from Test and ODI cricket in January 2024. He was part of Australia's three World Cup-winning campaigns in white-ball formats in his illustrious career.

There Will Always Be That Sandpaper Scandal - David Warner

David Warner acknowledged that the 2018 Sandpaper scandal will forever be linked to his achievements. Warner hoped true cricket enthusiasts would remember him for his contributions to the game, including his dynamic batting style and efforts to innovate Test cricket.

"It's going to be inevitable that when people talk about me in 20 or 30 years time, there will always be that sandpaper scandal. But for me, if they're real cricket tragics, and they love cricket, and my closest supporters, they will always see me as that cricketer. Someone who tried to change the game," Warner said.

"Someone who tried to follow in the footsteps of the openers before me and tried to score runs at a great tempo and change Test cricket in a way. Be that person who went from T20 cricket to playing Test cricket - batting at No. 6 and then opening. For me, hopefully, I can be remembered for that, but I understand 2018. It always comes up, and it's unfortunate - but it is what it is," he added.

The 37-year-old opening batter aims to conclude his career with a triumph at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Australia, led by Mitchell Marsh, advanced to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. Warner has scored 116 runs in four matches at an average of 29.00 and an impressive strike rate of 146.84.

Taken A Lot Of Pressure Off A Lot Of Guys - David Warner

Warner stated that he was unfairly targeted in the aftermath of the scandal. The veteran batter mentioned that he coped with considerable pressure on behalf of others, stating that he has been that person to be able to absorb that.

"Whether it's people who don't like the Australian cricket team or don't like me, I've always been that person who has copped it. It's fine if they want to do that, but I always feel like I've taken a lot of pressure off a lot of guys as well and I think understandably I've been that person to be able to absorb that."

David Warner will be next seen in action play when Mitchell Marsh's team faces Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Friday, June 21. Australia is grouped with India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing tournament.

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