Australian ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins has hit back at the media intrusion into his family life, describing the cameras outside his Sydney home as "ridiculous". He also dismissed suggestions that he had a public spat with his wife Becky, clarifying that their animated discussion was about Usman Khawaja.
Khawaja's recently published autobiography, Sabr, has brought attention to Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal. The use of sandpaper during the South Africa series led to suspensions for Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft. Khawaja claimed that the entire Australian Test team knew about the plan.
Pat Cummins Slams ‘Ridiculous’ Media Intrusion and Denies Spat With Wife: "Really unhappy with Usman"
The Australian published a video on Wednesday, November 11, showing the couple having an animated discussion outside their Sydney home. The footage triggered speculation about a possible argument between them.
Pat Cummins criticised the cameras following him and his family outside their home, calling the situation ridiculous. He also clarified that their discussion was about Usman Khawaja's autobiography and not a disagreement between the couple.
"It's half very comical. Becky wears her heart on her sleeve. And half ridiculous. We are here talking about something that was dealt with eight-and-a-half years ago. Now, I am walking my daughter in her nappies on the front (of my house) and I have got cameras chasing me and my family. For me that's a bit ridiculous," Cummins said in a press conference.
"But, while we are on the topic because we think it was funny, we weren't having a spat. Becky was very frustrated and animated and really unhappy with Usman," Cummins added.
Becky Urged Pat Cummins to Speak Honestly About the 2018 Scandal
Pat Cummins revealed that Becky wanted him to address the controversy openly because Usman Khawaja's claims had affected several people connected to the 2018 tour.
"She just said, 'Show your emotion. There are a lot of people who are hurting'. She was like, 'Be honest' and tell the details. I have been with Becky even before that tour. She has been with me," Cummins added.
Pat Cummins has explained the moment with his wife that was captured out the front of their house. MORE: https://t.co/7iayKfgJLC https://t.co/FqxZ8fxtsZ
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) November 12, 2026
Khawaja claimed that knowledge of the ball-tampering plan extended beyond Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. He stated that "it was all of us" who knew about the use of sandpaper, suggesting that more members of the Australian touring party were aware of what happened.
Pat Cummins Rejects Usman Khawaja's Sandpaper Scandal Claims as ‘Utter Nonsense’
Pat Cummins rejected the allegation that he and other players had helped plan the incident, describing the claim as "utter nonsense". Cummins maintained that he did not know sandpaper was being taken onto the field during the third Test in Cape Town in March 2018.
The incident came to light when television cameras caught Bancroft attempting to alter the ball with sandpaper. Cricket Australia subsequently investigated the matter and handed Smith and Warner 12-month suspensions from international and domestic cricket. Bancroft received a nine-month ban from domestic cricket.
Cummins was part of the Australian touring squad during the series but was not among the players sanctioned by Cricket Australia. Khawaja's claim that responsibility extended beyond the three players who received bans has renewed attention on the incident.
