BRIDGETOWN: Australian opener Usman Khawaja has reportedly declined to speak to sports broadcaster SEN following day one of the first Test against the West Indies — a silent but significant gesture believed to be in protest over the sacking of veteran cricket journalist Peter Lalor earlier this year.
Lalor, who is currently covering the Caribbean series through his independent Cricket Et Al podcast, was stood down by SEN following his social media posts expressing solidarity with Palestinians — a move that drew criticism from many in the cricketing and journalistic community.
Reacting to Khawaja’s show of support, Lalor issued a brief statement:
“Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate.”
While Cricket Australia has yet to comment on Khawaja’s decision, the cricketer’s stance is consistent with his earlier defense of Lalor, particularly during Australia’s 2022 tour of Sri Lanka. At the time, Khawaja made it clear that supporting Palestinian rights was not antisemitic and should not be seen as such.
“Standing up for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic nor does it have anything to do with my Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, but everything to do with the Israeli government and their deplorable actions,” Khawaja wrote on Instagram.
“It has everything to do with justice and human rights… Pete is a good guy with a good heart. He deserves better.”
Khawaja has not shied away from making statements — both online and on the field — about humanitarian issues. In late 2023, during a Test match against Pakistan, he attempted to wear shoes bearing the messages “All lives are equal” and “Freedom is a human right.” The ICC prohibited him from doing so, citing its code on political messaging. In response, Khawaja wore a black armband and covered the slogans with tape.
For many, Khawaja’s recent gesture is yet another example of the batter’s willingness to speak out — even silently — on matters of principle, using his platform in cricket to advocate for causes he believes in.
