Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja declined to participate in a post-match interview with SEN radio after day one of the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados—a move widely interpreted as a silent protest against the station’s previous dismissal of journalist Peter Lalor for pro-Palestinian social media posts.
Khawaja, known for his outspoken support of Palestinian human rights, has frequently highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have died during Israeli military action following the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
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In the past, Khawaja also challenged the International Cricket Council (ICC) over its ban on displaying peace messages on his cricket gear, which the body labeled as political.
Peter Lalor, formerly a freelance commentator for SEN, lost his role during a Sri Lanka tour after posting messages sympathetic to the plight of Palestinians. SEN management claimed the content of his posts caused distress among Jewish Australians. Lalor responded by saying he was merely acknowledging the suffering in Gaza.
Khawaja had publicly defended Lalor at the time, asserting that expressing solidarity with Gaza was not anti-Semitic, nor targeted at Jewish Australians, but a critique of the Israeli government’s actions.
During the match in Barbados, when Khawaja was approached for a standard end-of-day interview by SEN presenters Bharat Sundaresan and Adam Collins after scoring 47 runs, he noticed the SEN microphone, raised his hand, and walked away without a word. Neither Khawaja nor Cricket Australia has commented on the gesture officially.
Peter Lalor, now reporting independently, commended Khawaja for his principles and continued support, stating that he deeply appreciated the gesture. The incident has sparked renewed debate about freedom of expression, media accountability, and the right of athletes to take moral stands on global issues.
