Usman Khawaja boycotts interview with Australian broadcaster in protest over journalist's sacking

Usman Khawaja refused to give an interview to radio broadcaster SEN following Day 1 of the first Test match between Australia and the West Indies in Bridgetown. Khawaja’s decision was reportedly a protest in response to SEN's sacking of cricket journalist Peter Lalor over pro-Palestinian social media posts.

After captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first on Wednesday, June 25, Australia collapsed to 22 for 3 within 15.1 overs. However, Khawaja and Travis Head added a crucial 89-run partnership that helped the visiting team recover in the first innings. The veteran opener scored 47 runs before being dismissed.

Usman Khawaja Boycotts Australian Radio Interview Over Journalist’s Sacking

Usman Khawaja refused to give an interview to radio broadcaster SEN after Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies. The Australian opener was approached by the team’s media manager to speak with SEN commentators Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan.

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Khawaja initially walked toward the broadcasters but withdrew upon noticing the SEN branding. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Khawaja’s decision was linked to SEN’s earlier dismissal of journalist Peter Lalor over pro-Palestinian social media posts.

Lalor was removed from his freelance role with radio broadcaster SEN during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in February. The decision came after Lalor posted pro-Palestinian messages on social media, including comments about Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian prisoners, while covering a Test match in Galle.

Standing Up for the People of Gaza Is Not Antisemitic - Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja had previously criticized radio broadcaster SEN for sacking Peter Lalor. In an Instagram post, Khawaja stated that expressing support for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic and added that his stance was directed at the actions of the Israeli government, not Jewish communities.

"Standing up for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic nor does it have anything to do with my Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, but everything to do with the Israeli government and their deplorable actions," Khawaja wrote on Instagram.

"It has everything to do with justice and human rights. Unfortunately, hatred towards the Jewish and Muslim community will always exist. Pete is a good guy with a good heart. He deserves better," he had said.

Notably, CA wont take any action against Khawaja for this move.

Usman Khawaja is a Man of Principle - Peter Lalor

Peter Lalor, who is now covering the tour as an independent journalist, expressed his gratitude for Usman Khawaja. He hailed Khawaja as a man of strong principles and said he deeply appreciated both the initial and continued backing from the Australian opener.

“Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate,” Lalor said in a statement.

Earlier too, Khawaja voiced concern over civilian casualties in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military operations. The violence erupted following a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Later that year, Khawaja was involved in a dispute with the ICC when he attempted to wear gear bearing peace messages. The ICC deemed the act “political” and prohibited it, despite the neutral nature of the message.

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