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Ball-tampering bans cost Smith, Warner and Bancroft dearly

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) •
November 12, 2026 • 08:17 AM
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The price Steve Smith and David Warner paid for sandpapergate can be measured in reputation and millions of dollars. Can anything be done about it now?

Ball-tampering bans cost Smith, Warner and Bancroft dearly

Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft lost more than their reputations when they were banished from cricket for ball tampering during the 2018 South African tour.

The only three players in an 11-man team to be banned over the scandal also temporarily lost their earning power, with estimates at the time suggesting Smith alone missed out on more than $3 million in cricket contracts and match fees – what would be worth about $3.8 million today.

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Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
The Age
1d ago
‘You can’t say sandpaper’: Coach allegedly told Smith, Bancroft to lie

‘You can’t say sandpaper’: Coach allegedly told Smith, Bancroft to lie

Former Australian bowling coach David Saker was a key figure behind the scenes in South Africa eight years ago as the team attempted to get the ball to swing.

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Sydney Morning Herald (SMH)
2d ago
Sandpaper feuds erupt: Warner takes on ex-coach Lehmann in stunning twist

Sandpaper feuds erupt: Warner takes on ex-coach Lehmann in stunning twist

The growing resentment festering in Australian cricket regarding the sandpaper scandal is showing no signs of fading, after David Warner whacked Darren Lehmann for downplaying his knowledge of the events.

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The Guardian
2h ago
Cummins stands firm on ball tampering to leave Australian cricket back where it started | Geoff Lemon

Cummins stands firm on ball tampering to leave Australian cricket back where it started | Geoff Lemon

The Test captain kept his promise to answer all questions at a press conference that made his position clear and filled some but not all gaps

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Hamro Patro News
15h ago
Pat Cummins Denies Usman Khawaja's Ball-Tampering Allegations

Pat Cummins Denies Usman Khawaja's Ball-Tampering Allegations

Sydney. Australian cricket team captain Pat Cummins has refuted the allegations made by former teammate Usman Khawaja regarding the much-talked-about 'sandpaper' (ball tampering) incident of 2018. ...

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SBS News Australia
17h ago
'Complete and utter nonsense': Pat Cummins denies he knew about ball tampering scandal

'Complete and utter nonsense': Pat Cummins denies he knew about ball tampering scandal

The Australian cricket captain said he was "genuinely shocked" by the explosive claims made by Usman Khawaja.

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ABC News Australia
2d ago
What is ball tampering in cricket and why is Australia captivated by it?

What is ball tampering in cricket and why is Australia captivated by it?

Keeping the cricket ball in the perfect condition to behave the way you want it to has always been a part of cricket, but the Australians and their yellow scrap of sandpaper shed harsh light on the sport's so-called dark arts.

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