Australian opening batsman Usman Khawaja has taken a stand following the first day of the Test match between Australia and the West Indies, refusing a post-match interview with SEN Radio. This decision is a quiet but firm protest against the radio station's dismissal of veteran cricket journalist Peter Lalor earlier in the year.

Khawaja was scheduled to speak with SEN commentators Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan after play on Thursday (AEST) at Kensington Oval. However, upon realizing the interview was for SEN, he politely declined. Reports indicate that Khawaja's refusal stems from SEN's decision to sack Lalor in February. Lalor's dismissal occurred during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka, reportedly due to concerns over his social media activity related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. His social media activity included reposts highlighting Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Khawaja had previously voiced his support for Lalor after his dismissal. In an Instagram post, he stated, "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. It has everything to do with justice and human rights. Unfortunately, hatred towards the Jewish and Muslim community will always exist. Pete is a good guy with a good heart. He deserves better."

Lalor, who is currently covering the West Indies-Australia Test series for the Cricket Et Al podcast, expressed his gratitude for Khawaja's support. "Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate," he said in a statement.

SEN's chief, Craig Hutchison, had stated that Lalor's pro-Palestinian social media posts were offensive to the Jewish Australian community and that the "sound of his voice made people feel unsafe". Lalor responded by acknowledging the fear and suffering experienced by people on both sides of the conflict, calling the situation in Gaza "deeply tragic".

Khawaja's actions reflect his history of speaking out on social justice issues. In late 2023, he sought to display messages of peace on his cricket equipment but was denied by the International Cricket Council (ICC), who deemed the messages political.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that Khawaja will not face disciplinary action for declining the interview. It is understood that players have the right to decline interviews that take place during and after a game.