On a day when his cricketing performance drew praise, Usman Khawaja made an even bolder statement, by saying nothing at all.

After the first Test match between Australia and the West Indies, Khawaja was expected to speak to media outlets during the post-day coverage. But when he noticed a microphone from SEN Radio among the media personnel, he respectfully declined the interview and walked away. His reason? A quiet but firm protest against the outlet’s controversial firing of veteran cricket writer Peter Lalor earlier this year.

Lalor was reportedly dismissed by SEN for posting pro-Palestinian content on social media. The decision sparked backlash in media and cricket circles, and Khawaja, never one to shy away from standing for causes he believes in, had voiced his disapproval back then as well. This time, he took a stronger step: withholding his words from the very platform that silenced a journalist.

Witnesses at the scene said Khawaja apologized to the rest of the media, making it clear his objection was not personal, but principled.

Peter Lalor, touched by the gesture, publicly praised Khawaja, calling him “a man of principle.” The cricketer’s refusal to speak was quiet, non-disruptive, but undeniably powerful, especially in a climate where silence can be as loud as speech.

This isn’t Khawaja’s first brush with advocacy. The Australian opener has used his voice and platform to discuss racism in sport, advocate for equality, and famously attempted to wear shoes with a message calling for peace in Gaza during an international match, a move blocked by the ICC under its uniform regulations.

Cricket Australia has since confirmed that it will not take disciplinary action against Khawaja for his decision to skip the SEN interview.

In an era where sports figures are increasingly expected to represent more than just athletic ability, Khawaja’s calm but clear protest reminds us that values matter, and sometimes, a single act of silence can speak volumes.