Usman Khawaja Protests Media Outlet Over Gaza Coverage, Citing Journalist's Dismissal

Usman Khawaja, the Australian cricketer, has taken a stand by refusing to give a post-match interview to SEN, a sports media outlet. This decision follows SEN's controversial firing of journalist Peter Lalor earlier this year, after Lalor posted about the Gaza conflict on social media.

Usman Khawaja at the crease during the first Test between West Indies and Australia.

Khawaja, who scored 47 runs in Australia's first innings of 180 against the West Indies in Bridgetown, made his feelings clear when he noticed an SEN microphone. He informed reporters Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan of his decision to boycott the interview.

Lalor was terminated by SEN while covering Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in February. His dismissal stemmed from tweets he posted regarding Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian prisoners. Lalor has publicly thanked Khawaja for his support.

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

Khawaja has consistently voiced his opinions on human rights issues, with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza. During the first Test in Perth, he wore a black armband. He also attempted to wear shoes displaying messages supporting human rights, but was stopped by cricket authorities.

Cricket Australia and the ICC prevented 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.

"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," Khawaja said regarding the shoe incident.

"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 for, I guess... 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."