Archive · 7 Dec 2025
ACA Chair Praises Cricket Australia's Response to Khawaja's Pitch Comments
Paul Marsh, the head of the Australian Cricketers Association, was happy with how Cricket Australia handled Usman Khawaja's comments about the Perth pitch.
Khawaja called the pitch 'a piece of s**t' after the first day of the Ashes opener, but later said it got better for batting on the next days.
Cricket Australia initially considered asking for an explanation but decided not to take any action.
Marsh appreciated that Cricket Australia allows players to express their opinions freely, which he believes is important in the sport.
He also mentioned that he met with the team but there wasn't much to discuss since no action was taken against Khawaja.
Usman Khawaja criticized the Perth pitch as 'a piece of s**t' after the first day of the Ashes opener.
Cricket Australia initially considered seeking an explanation but decided not to take any action.
The ICC rated the pitch as 'very good,' the highest rating, despite the match ending in two days.
ACA Chair Paul Marsh praised Cricket Australia's decision, supporting players' right to express opinions.
Marsh met with the team but noted there was little to discuss as no action was taken against Khawaja.
- Who
- Paul Marsh (ACA Chair), Usman Khawaja (Cricketer), Cricket Australia (CA)
- What
- Cricket Australia's response to Usman Khawaja's comments about the Perth pitch
- When
- After the Ashes opener match in Perth
- Where
- Perth Stadium, Australia
- Why
- To express support for players' freedom of expression and Cricket Australia's handling of the situation
- Person Involved
- Paul Marsh (ACA Chair), Usman Khawaja (Cricketer), Cricket Australia (CA)
- Event
- Comments on Perth pitch during Ashes opener
- Match Outcome
- Australia won by 8 wickets in 2 days
- ICC Pitch Rating
- Very good
- CA's Action
- No action taken against Khawaja
- ACA's Stance
- Supports players' right to express opinions