Usman Khawaja Boycotts SEN Over Sacking of Pro-Palestinian Journalist
So here’s what’s been making waves in the cricket world lately — a bold stand taken by Australian opener Usman Khawaja , and it's not about his performance on the pitch this time. During the first Test match against the West Indies in Barbados, Khawaja made headlines for refusing to speak to radio broadcaster SEN , and the reason behind it runs deeper than cricket.
Here’s how it unfolded. After the day’s play, Khawaja was approached by SEN commentators for a post-match interview — a routine moment in most cricketers’ days. But upon noticing the SEN microphone, Khawaja politely declined and walked away. It wasn’t a snub for publicity. It was a deliberate, principled boycott rooted in something that happened months earlier.
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Back in February, SEN made the controversial decision to terminate respected journalist Peter Lalor’s freelance contract. Why? Because Lalor expressed support for Palestinian human rights on social media. According to Lalor, SEN’s chief Craig Hutchison told him his views made some in the community “feel unsafe.” Lalor’s firing triggered backlash, especially from those who see human rights advocacy as a responsibility, not a liability.
Khawaja, who has long been vocal about humanitarian issues, especially the crisis in Gaza, stood up publicly at that time. He clarified that supporting Palestinians isn’t antisemitic — rather, it’s about standing up to oppression. And now, months later, he’s still walking that talk.
When questioned on The Sounding Board podcast, Hutchison admitted he wasn’t entirely sure why Khawaja avoided the interview — though he assumed it was related to Lalor’s dismissal. He added that SEN would no longer approach Khawaja for interviews, respecting his stance, even if he doesn’t fully understand it.
What’s impressive here is not just Khawaja’s quiet refusal — it’s the consistency in his values. From his earlier protest with messages on his shoes like “Freedom is a human right,” to his support for Lalor, Khawaja is not just playing cricket; he’s using his platform to make a statement. And that takes courage.
In an era where athletes are increasingly expected to “stick to sports,” Khawaja is proving that sport and conscience can absolutely coexist. His refusal to engage with SEN isn’t just personal — it’s a ripple in the broader conversation about freedom of expression, media accountability, and standing up for what’s right, even if it’s uncomfortable.
It’s moments like these that remind us cricket is more than just a game. For Khawaja, it’s also a stage — and he’s using it with purpose.
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