Usman Khawaja Boycotts Media Outlet Over Journalist Firing Linked to Gaza Conflict

Usman Khawaja, the Australian cricketer, has taken a stand against sports media outlet SEN by refusing to participate in a post-game interview. This decision follows SEN's controversial firing of journalist Peter Lalor earlier this year due to his social media posts about the Gaza conflict.

Usman Khawaja bats on Day 1 of the first Test between West Indies and Australia. (AP)

Khawaja, who scored 47 runs in Australia's first innings against the West Indies in Bridgetown, made his stance clear by declining to speak when he noticed an SEN microphone. He informed reporters Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan of his decision.

Lalor was terminated by SEN while covering Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in February after he shared tweets concerning Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian prisoners.

Following Khawaja's action, Lalor expressed his gratitude for the cricketer's support.

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

Khawaja has consistently voiced his concerns regarding human rights issues, particularly the situation in Gaza. During the first Test in Perth, he wore a black armband and even attempted to wear shoes displaying messages supporting human rights. However, cricket authorities intervened.

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

Regarding the shoe incident, Khawaja stated: "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 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."

"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."

"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."