On a day when Usman Khawaja’s batting drew attention, it was his silent protest that spoke volumes after the opening day of the Australia-West Indies Test match.
The Australian opener declined to give a post-match interview—not because of his on-field performance, but in protest against SEN Radio. The station had previously fired veteran cricket journalist Peter Lalor for expressing pro-Palestinian views on social media, a decision Khawaja had publicly criticized at the time.
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When Khawaja noticed the SEN microphone among the press, he calmly refused to speak, apologizing to nearby reporters while maintaining his stance. His quiet gesture sent a strong message of principle and solidarity.
Peter Lalor expressed gratitude for the support, calling Khawaja “a man of principle.” This isn’t the first time the cricketer has taken a stand—he’s previously spoken out on issues like racism and attempted to display messages of peace during games, only to be blocked by the ICC.
Cricket Australia confirmed it would not be taking any disciplinary action, recognizing his right to protest. In a sports landscape where athletes increasingly speak out, Khawaja’s silent act reinforced that actions, even quiet ones, can carry powerful meaning.
