Pakistan's legendary former fast bowler Wasim Akram has weighed in on Australia's infamous Sandpapergate controversy, questioning how experienced bowlers could have failed to notice the ball-tampering incident during the 2018 Cape Town Test.

The controversy has resurfaced following explosive claims by Australian batter Usman Khawaja, who alleged that the entire Australian team knew about the use of sandpaper to alter the cricket ball.

Former Australia opener David Warner has backed Khawaja's claims, while current captain Pat Cummins has strongly rejected the allegations, calling them "complete and utter nonsense".

Now, Wasim Akram, widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of reverse swing, has offered his perspective on the controversy.

Speaking in a video shared on social media, Akram explained the difference between naturally roughening the ball through normal cricketing conditions and deliberately scratching it with sandpaper.

According to Akram, experienced bowlers can immediately recognise when something unusual has happened to the cricket ball.

He said that bowlers regularly maintain one shiny side and one rough side to generate reverse swing. However, scratches caused by sandpaper are distinctly different from those produced by bouncing the ball on the ground.

Akram added that anyone interested in understanding the difference could take a semi-new cricket ball and rub sandpaper against it to observe the scratches.

Addressing Cummins' claim that he had no knowledge of the ball-tampering incident, Akram said he believed the Australian team might genuinely have been unaware of what was happening at the time.

However, he emphasised that this was only his personal opinion and that he was not taking sides in the controversy.

Akram also acknowledged the pressure the scandal has placed on Australian cricket, saying the country's reputation for honesty had been affected by the incident.

Meanwhile, Cummins has firmly rejected Khawaja's allegations that the entire team knew about the use of sandpaper.

The Australian captain reiterated that he had consistently maintained his innocence over the past eight years and denied being involved in planning the ball-tampering scheme.

Cummins also expressed shock over Khawaja's revelation that he had advised Cameron Bancroft to be careful while using sandpaper during the infamous Test.

The Sandpapergate scandal, which resulted in suspensions for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, continues to generate debate in Australian cricket nearly eight years after the incident.