A tragic incident unfolded in Adelaide, Australia, as Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan collapsed and passed away on the field during a local match amid scorching heat conditions.
The incident occurred on Saturday at 4 PM (ACDT) at Concordia College Oval during a game between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians. Despite immediate medical attention from paramedics, Khan could not be revived.
Extreme Heat a Major Concern
- The temperature exceeded 40°C at the time of the incident.
- Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws state that matches must be called off if temperatures reach 42°C, but modified play is permitted up to 40°C.
- Reports indicate that Junaid Khan was fasting during Ramadan, but he had been consuming water throughout the day as permitted under exemptions for health reasons.
Community Mourns the Loss
The Old Concordians Cricket Club issued an official statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of a valued member of the Old Concordians’ Cricket Club, who tragically suffered a medical episode while playing. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he sadly did not survive. Thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
Junaid Khan, who was in his 40s, moved to Adelaide from Pakistan in 2013 to pursue a career in the tech industry.
His close friend Hasan Anjum said, “It’s a huge loss, he was destined for very big things in his life.”
Another friend, Najam Hassan, called him a “gem of a person.”
Heatwave Across Australia
The incident occurred amid a severe heatwave across South Australia, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in Adelaide, Sydney, and Victoria.
This tragedy has raised concerns about the impact of extreme weather conditions on outdoor sports, prompting discussions on player safety and heat-related protocols in local cricket competitions.
