Junaid Zafar Khan, a Pakistan-origin club cricketer in Adelaide, has died after collapsing on the field during a match in extreme heat in Australia.
The 40-year-old cricketer representing Old Concordian against Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College Oval on Saturday suddenly collapsed and did not recover.
Despite the efforts of paramedics to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Australian media, the match was played in hot conditions, with temperatures reaching 41.7°C at the time of the incident.
According to the rules of the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association, matches are called off if temperatures go over 42°C.
However, if temperatures surpass 40°C, games can still take place as long as certain safety measures are implemented.
Khan had spent 40 overs fielding before batting for seven overs. Shortly afterwards, he collapsed on the field, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Following his death, the Old Concordians Cricket Club released a statement confirming Khan’s passing.
“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 on the Concordia College oval today,” the club said.
“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 Zafar Khan moved from Pakistan to Australia in 2013 to work in the technology sector and was remembered by friends and fellow players as a kind and generous person.
“It’s a huge loss, he was destined for very big things in his life,” said friend and cricket teammate Hasan Anjum.
Another close friend, Najam Hassan, described Khan as a “gem of a person.”
The incident occurs during a severe heatwave affecting South Australia and other parts of the country, with temperatures reaching nearly 40°C in Sydney and Victoria.
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