Usman Khawaja Protests Journalist's Firing, Boycotts Media Outlet Over Gaza Coverage Fallout

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has taken a firm stance by refusing to engage in post-match interviews with sports media outlet SEN. This decision follows SEN's controversial dismissal of journalist Peter Lalor earlier this year due to his social media posts regarding the Gaza conflict.

Usman Khawaja in action during the first Test match.

Khawaja, who scored 47 runs in Australia's first innings against the West Indies in Bridgetown, made his feelings clear when he declined to speak to reporters Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan upon spotting an SEN microphone.

The journalist at the center of the controversy, Peter Lalor, was fired by SEN while covering Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in February. His dismissal stemmed from tweets he posted about Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian prisoners.

Lalor expressed his gratitude for Khawaja's unwavering support.

"Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate," Lalor stated, highlighting Khawaja's integrity in the face of the situation.

Khawaja has consistently voiced his concerns about human rights issues, particularly those affecting Gaza. During the first Test in Perth, he wore a black armband as a symbol of solidarity. He also attempted to display messages supporting human rights on his shoes but was prevented from doing so by cricket authorities.

Cricket Australia and the ICC prohibited Khawaja from displaying the messages "freedom is a human right" and "all lives matter" on his shoes during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG.

Khawaja voiced his disappointment regarding the restrictions. "It's just a little bit disappointing. I don't really see the controversy of [saying] all lives matter and saying freedom is a human right," he stated.

He further elaborated on his feelings, "I don't see where it becomes political ... I find it hard to accept where people find what I said distasteful. It makes me feel a little bit uneasy that people find those words uneasy."

Despite the challenges, Khawaja remains steadfast in his convictions. "It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster... I'll always stand up for what I believe in, even if people don't agree with me or don't like me saying it."

Khawaja concluded, "I want to look back on my career and say, look, I stood up for my values, I respect what I did on the field, but I also respect myself for what I did off the field... that means more to me."