Cricket Australia responds after fan refused entry for wearing an Imran Khan T-shirt in honour of the jailed Pakistan great
Updated ,first published
A fan was denied entry to the Sheffield Shield final on Thursday because he wore a T-shirt supporting Imran Khan, which will now be allowed because the shirt relates to a humanitarian issue, Cricket Australia said.
Luke Brown was forced to cover up his “Free Imran Khan” shirt to enter the Junction Oval on Thursday as he was thought to have made a political statement about the jailed Pakistani great.
However, contacted by this imprint, Cricket Australia said security personnel followed instructions correctly and, after reviewing the situation, did not view the treatment of Imran as a political issue, meaning the support given to him was not contrary to the governing body’s registration and entry conditions.
“Given the widespread concern within the cricket community for the welfare of Imran Khan, we believe this is a humanitarian issue and will act accordingly,” a CA spokesperson said.
There are widespread concerns about Imran’s health following reports that his condition has deteriorated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison, where he is imprisoned on corruption charges.
A total of 14 former international captains from the five Test nations, including Australia greats Steve Waugh and Allan Border and England’s Michael Atherton, have signed a petition created by fighting legend Greg Chappell calling for Imran to receive better treatment in prison.
Other signatories include Australia’s Belinda Clark, former India captains Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar and West Indies icon Clive Lloyd.
A respected player all over the world, Imran was arguably his best on-field success 34 years ago when he captained Pakistan to their only World Cup victory in Melbourne.
Brown says he was “confused” when ordered to cover up shirt produced by cricket website cricket and others. After putting on another T-shirt, he was allowed to enter.
“I’m surprised,” Brown, who has been a club cricketer for nearly 30 years, said of the tag. “I understand the debate they have to deal with in other situations, so if they apply a general rule it makes it easier for them. They’ve been very nice.”
“I can understand why they made that call but I think it’s the wrong call. The cricket world should get behind it.”
“It’s up to them how they enforce their rules, but if they are to do that then the onus falls on them to do more on other fronts to mobilize the cricketing public to support Imran Khan.”
Brown later praised CA for clarifying its position.
“It’s easy for individual cricket fans like me to have the right attitude towards Imran’s treatment,” Brown said. “It’s tougher for Cricket Australia, so I applaud them for doing that.”
Victoria held the early advantage on day one after taking three early wickets to beat South Australia 3-55 at lunch.
It was only crossed 28 times throughout the day and none were played after the first break due to continued rain throughout the afternoon.
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