Cricket Australia springs into action after fan denied entry to Shield final over T-shirt supporting Imran Khan

However, Cricket Australia has now stated that the fan will be allowed entry to the Junction Oval, as his T-shirt was about a “humanitarian issue.”

“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 told the Sydney Morning Herald.

The last few months have been marked by widespread concern over Imran Khan's health in Rawalpindi’s Adiala prison, where he is jailed on corruption charges. Recently, 14 former international captains, including Greg Chappell and Sunil Gavaskar, signed a petition calling for Imran to receive better treatment inside the prison.

“I was surprised. I understand the argument that they have to deal with other situations, so it's easier for them to 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,” he said.

“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," he added.

Brown also lauded Cricket Australia for quick work on the matter, and understanding his viewpoint.

“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," he said.

Imran and his wife, Bushra Bibi, are currently serving prison sentences in corruption cases linked to a property trust and the alleged acquisition of luxury gifts. In December 2024, they were handed fresh sentences in a separate case, further extending their jail terms.

The former Pakistan Prime Minister has been imprisoned since August 2023, following his removal from office through a parliamentary motion.

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