Have a look at the owner of The West Australian newspaper as Virat Kohli is labelled a clown on sports front page
Following Kohli’s clash with Konstas, the Australian media didn’t miss any opportunity to defame Kohli by labelling him as a clown.
Sam Konstas, making his debut for Australia in the Boxing Day Test against India, captured attention with an electrifying 60-run knock at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. However, the 19-year-old opening batter found himself in the midst of a heated exchange with Virat Kohli. Reflecting on the incident following his dismissal, Konstas acknowledged that emotions had flared on both sides during the intense encounter.
Who is the owner of The West Australian, Australia newspaper and meaning of sook as Virat Kohli is labelled a clown on sports page
In an incident that stirred widespread outrage, the Australian newspaper The West Australian reportedly referred to Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli as a “clown” on its sports page, following an on-field altercation during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The controversial headline also labeled Kohli as an “Indian sook,” a derogatory Australian slang term implying a crybaby.
The West Australian newspaper is owned by Seven West Media (SWM), as is the state’s other major newspaper, The Sunday Times. It is the second-oldest continuously produced newspaper in Australia, having been published since 1833
Seven West Media Limited is an Australian ASX-listed media company and it is Australia’s largest diversified media business, with an extensive presence in broadcast television, radio, print and online publishing and is Home to the Seven Network Station, TVW.
The back page of Friday's The West Australian. pic.twitter.com/EnCcCxO1wm
— The West Sport (@TheWestSport) December 26, 2024
Seven Group Holdings Ltd (SGH), a company controlled by Australian Capital Equity, is Seven West Media’s largest shareholder, with over $1 billion in Seven West Media shares and $250 million of Seven West Media convertible preference shares. Jeff Howard has been the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media Limited since April 2024.
This inflammatory depiction, triggered by an exchange between Kohli and debutant Sam Konstas on Day 1 of the match, became a focal point on social media, drawing sharp criticism from fans and cricketing experts alike. The altercation occurred when Konstas, while adjusting his gloves after a delivery, bumped into Kohli, leading to a heated exchange that required umpire intervention.
The back page of tomorrow's The West Australian. pic.twitter.com/nWr1AiDI7O
— The West Sport (@TheWestSport) December 27, 2024
Although the International Cricket Council (ICC) penalized Kohli with a 20% match fee fine and a demerit point, the Australian media’s extreme response raised eyebrows. Fans and commentators condemned the newspaper’s approach, accusing it of sensationalism aimed at capitalizing on Kohli’s global popularity. Many pointed out the irony of the same media, which had celebrated Kohli’s arrival in Australia weeks earlier, now resorting to personal attacks.
Social media erupted with Indian fans highlighting Kohli’s past acts of sportsmanship, including his defense of Steve Smith during the sandpaper scandal, as proof of his character. Critics deemed the media’s portrayal hypocritical, with one fan noting how Kohli, who once stood by Smith, was now being branded as arrogant. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in, asserting that the Australian media often targets rival players perceived as threats to their team.