Cricket Australia has backflipped on its decision to deny a pundit entry to the Sheffield Shield final at Melbourne’s Junction Oval because he was wearing a ‘Free Imran Khan’ shirt.
On Thursday, Cricket Et Al reported that cricket fan Luke Brown was forbidden entry to the venue on Thursday morning because the ‘Free Imran Khan’ message was deemed “too political”. The shirt was designed and sold by Cricket Et Al, run by respected journalists Gideon Haigh and Peter Lalor.
Brown was eventually allowed inside after covering the shirt with another piece of clothing.
Watch Live & Free coverage of the 2026 Marsh Sheffield Shield with Kayo Freebies | Register free now >
“I was surprised,” Brown told The Age.
“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.”
Victoria start Sheff Shield final strong | 01:39
Later on Thursday, a CA spokesperson released a statement confirming Brown was permitted to wear the shirt as they considered the matter to be a humanitarian issue rather than a political one.
“Given the widespread concern for Imran Khan’s welfare in the cricket community, we believe this is a humanitarian matter and will act accordingly,” the statement read.
Former Pakistan captain Khan, who led his country during the 1992 World Cup, is being held in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on corruption charges, with widespread concern over his health following reports of his deteriorating condition.
The 73-year-old, who served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, was briefly hospitalised last month due to an eye condition.
Recently, fourteen former international captains, including Australian legends Steve Waugh and Allan Border, signed a petition urging the Islamabad government to provide Khan with better prison treatment.
Khan played 88 Test matches for Pakistan between 1971 and 1992, claiming 362 wickets at 22.81.
Reigning champions South Australia were 3-55 at stumps on day one of the Sheffield Shield final against Victoria, with rain forcing a premature end to the day’s play.