Cricket Australia clarifies ‘Free Imran Khan’ T-shirt row at Sheffield Shield final, terms it humanitarian issue

Melbourne [Australia], March 27 (ANI): Cricket Australia (CA) has clarified its stance after a fan was initially denied entry to the Sheffield Shield final at Junction Oval in Melbourne for wearing a "Free Imran Khan" T-shirt, stating that support for the former Pakistan captain will now be permitted as it relates to a humanitarian issue.
The incident occurred on the opening day of the final on Thursday when Luke Brown was asked by security staff to cover his T-shirt, which was deemed to be making a political statement about the jailed former cricketer and ex-Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan. Brown was allowed entry only after wearing another shirt over it.
However, following a review, CA told the Sydney Morning Herald, while security personnel had acted in accordance with existing guidelines, the organisation no longer considers expressions of support for Imran Khan as political.
"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 has been growing concern globally over Imran Khan's health, amid reports of his deteriorating condition in Rawalpindi's Adiala prison, where he is currently jailed on corruption charges.
Earlier last month, a group of 14 former international captains from five Test-playing nations, including Australian greats Steve Waugh and Allan Border, England's Michael Atherton, and former India captains Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, signed a petition drafted by batting legend Greg Chappell, urging better prison treatment for Khan. Other signatories include Australia's Belinda Clark and West Indies icon Clive Lloyd.
Brown said he was "befuddled" at being asked to cover the T-shirt but acknowledged the challenges faced by organisers.
"I was surprised," Brown, a club cricketer for about 30 years, told The Sydney Morning Herald. "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."
He later welcomed CA's revised position, adding, "It's easy for individual cricket fans like me to take the right stance on Imran's treatment. It's harder for Cricket Australia, so I applaud them for doing so."
On the field, Victoria held the upper hand in the rain-affected contest. South Australia were reduced to 3-55 at lunch on day one before persistent rain curtailed play, with only 28 overs bowled.
By the end of day two, South Australia were bowled out for 198, with captain Nathan McSweeney scoring a half-century. Victoria reached 110/4 at stumps, with Marcus Harris and Oliver Peake unbeaten, trailing by 88 runs. (ANI)