Australian batter Usman Khawaja has declined to give a post-match interview to sports broadcaster SEN, in what many view as a silent protest over the company’s dismissal of journalist Peter Lalor.
The incident took place after the first day of the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados. Khawaja, who scored 47 runs in challenging conditions, was approached by SEN commentators for a routine interview. However, after spotting the SEN-branded microphone, he raised his hand and walked away without speaking.
Observers believe the gesture was linked to SEN’s removal of veteran cricket journalist Peter Lalor four months ago. Lalor lost his freelance role after posting messages on social media in support of Palestinians during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. SEN management had argued that his posts were upsetting to some members of the Jewish community.
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Khawaja, who has been vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, had earlier backed Lalor’s stance. In 2023, he also faced pushback from the International Cricket Council for attempting to wear gear with peace-related messages, which were ruled as political.
Although neither Khawaja nor Cricket Australia has issued a formal comment, Lalor, now reporting independently, expressed gratitude. He described Khawaja as a person of principle and welcomed his quiet show of solidarity.