Usman Khawaja Declines Interview in Protest Against SEN Radio's Treatment of Journalist
Khawaja's Stand After Day 1 of Test Match
Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja reportedly turned down an interview request from Australian radio following the first day of the ongoing Test match against the West Indies at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 25.
On the opening day of the Test, Australia was dismissed for 180 runs, with Travis Head emerging as the top scorer, contributing 59 runs off 78 balls. Khawaja added 47 runs from 128 balls, forming a vital 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping Australia recover from a precarious 22/3 to 111/3. Captain Pat Cummins also played a role, scoring 28 runs off 18 balls to push the team's total past 150.
By the end of Day 1, the West Indies found themselves at 57/4 in 20 overs, with Brandon King and Roston Chase at the crease, scoring 23 and 1 respectively. Mitchell Starc led the Australian bowling attack, achieving figures of 2/35 in his seven-over spell.
Khawaja Protests Against SEN Radio's Actions
Usman Khawaja's refusal to participate in the interview is a protest against SEN Radio's dismissal of veteran cricket journalist Peter Lalor, who was let go following a pro-Gaza tweet earlier this year. As reported by The Guardian, Khawaja was approached by a media manager for an interview with SEN Sports commentators after the day's play.
Upon seeing the SEN branding on the microphone, Khawaja raised his hands in a gesture of refusal and walked away, signaling his discontent with the network's treatment of Lalor. This silent protest underscores Khawaja's support for Lalor, who was dismissed for expressing solidarity with Palestine.
Support for Lalor and Continued Advocacy
After Lalor's firing by SEN in February during the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia, Khawaja publicly defended him, asserting that advocating for Gaza is not antisemitic and that Lalor deserves better treatment.
Khawaja's decision to decline the interview with SEN Radio reflects his ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes and solidarity with Lalor, whom he believes was unjustly treated.
Peter Lalor, now with Cricket Et Al, expressed his appreciation for Khawaja's principled stance, stating, 'Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate.'
No Consequences for Khawaja's Decision
Cricket Australia has confirmed that Khawaja will not face any repercussions for his choice, as players have the autonomy to decide whether to engage in media interviews during or immediately after matches.
This incident is not Khawaja's first brush with controversy regarding his stance on humanitarian issues. Last year, during a Test series against Pakistan, he was prohibited by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from wearing shoes with messages supporting Gaza, which raised questions about athletes' rights to express solidarity.
