The opening day of this year’s Sheffield Shield final has thrown up plenty of drama, with poor weather on the field and fans ejected off it.

As first reported by Cricket Et Al, one spectator was denied entry to Junction Oval for wearing a shirt that read “Free Imran Khan” on it.

Cricket Australia confirmed the man was turned away due to the shirt on Thursday, but the stance would be altered given the nature of Khan’s situation.

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Spectators will now be allowed to show their solidarity for Khan during the remainder of the match in St Kilda, Victoria.

“Given the widespread concern in the cricket community for Imran Khan’s welfare, we believe this is a humanitarian issue and we will act accordingly,” a CA spokesperson told Wide World Of Sports.

Khan – a former Pakistan captain and prime minister of the country – has been in prison since being arrested in 2023 on charges of corruption.

The 73-year-old was rushed to hospital last month due to an eye condition before returning to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail after undergoing treatment.

It comes after more than a dozen former international cricket captains signed a letter raising concerns over Khan’s healthy and safety while in prison.

On the field, South Australia batted first in the season decider and found themselves in real trouble, with openers Mackenzie Harvey (9) and Henry Hunt (5) dismissed cheaply before Jason Sangha went for a duck, leaving the side at 3-21.

Mackenzie Harvey walks off after being dismissed by Scott Boland. Getty

Victorian seamers Scott Boland and Fergus O’Neill both struck early before all-rounder Will Sutherland took the crucial wicket of Sangha.

Test wicket-keeper Alex Carey helped steady the ship for the Redbacks alongside Nathan McSweeney, before rain derailed play before lunch.

The remaining three days will now start at 10am to make up the for the lost time.