Updated ,first published
Cricket Australia say a fan denied entry to the Sheffield Shield final on Thursday because he was wearing a T-shirt supporting Imran Khan will now be allowed because the shirt is about a humanitarian issue.
Luke Brown was forced to cover up his “Free Imran Khan” shirt to gain entry to Junction Oval on Thursday as he was deemed to be making a political statement about the jailed Pakistani great.
But, when contacted by this masthead, Cricket Australia said while security staff had correctly followed instructions, after reviewing the situation, it did not view the treatment of Imran as a political issue, which means support for him does not contravene the governing body’s ticket and entry conditions.
“Given the widespread concern in the cricket community for Imran Khan’s welfare, we believe this is a humanitarian issue and will act accordingly,” a CA spokesperson said.
There is widespread concern over Imran’s health after reports of his deteriorating condition in Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison, where he is jailed on corruption charges.
A total of 14 former international captains from five Test nations, including Australian greats Steve Waugh and Allan Border and England’s Michael Atherton, signed a petition drafted by batting legend Greg Chappell calling for Imran to receive better prison treatment.
Other signatories include Australia’s Belinda Clark, former India captains Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar and West Indies icon Clive Lloyd.
A revered player around the world, Imran had arguably his finest on-field achievement in Melbourne 34 years ago when he captained Pakistan to their only World Cup victory.
Brown said he was “befuddled” at being ordered to cover the T-shirt, produced by cricket website Cricket Et Al. He was allowed entry after wearing another T-shirt on top.
“I was surprised,” Brown, a club cricketer for about 30 years, told this masthead. “I understand the argument they have to deal with other situations, so it just makes it easier for them if they apply a blanket rule. They were very nice.
“I can see why they made that call, but I think it’s the wrong one. The cricket world should be getting behind him.
“It’s up to them how they enforce their rules, but if they’re going to do this, then it puts a bigger onus on them to do more on other fronts to mobilise the cricket public to support Imran Khan.”
Brown later praised CA for clarifying their position.
“It’s easy for individual cricket fans like me to take the right stance on Imran’s treatment,” Brown said. “It’s harder for Cricket Australia, so I applaud them for doing so.”
Victoria held the early advantage on day one after claiming three early wickets on the first day to have South Australia on 3-55 at lunch.
Only 28 overs were bowled for the day, and none after the first break, due to persistent rain in the afternoon.
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