Tributes are flowing for a beloved Pakistani-origin cricketer who tragically collapsed and died while playing in extreme heat in Adelaide at the weekend.
Junaid Zafar Khan was representing Old Concordians in a match against Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College when he suffered a medical episode around 4pm on Saturday. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but despite their best efforts, the man in his 40s could not be revived.
At the time of the incident, temperatures in Adelaide had soared beyond 40°C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Old Concordians Cricket Club confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of a valued team member.
“Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he sadly did not survive,” the club said.
“Thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
Khan, who moved from Pakistan to Adelaide in 2013 to work in the tech industry, is being remembered as a kind and generous person. Fellow cricketer and friend Hasan Anjum described him as someone who “enjoyed helping people” and was “destined for very big things in his life.”
Under Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws, matches must be cancelled if temperatures exceed 42°C. However, games can proceed under special conditions in temperatures of up to 40°C.
The tragedy unfolded as southeastern Australia endured a blistering heatwave, with sweltering conditions recorded in Adelaide, Sydney, and parts of Victoria over the weekend.
Authorities and cricket associations are now being urged to reassess extreme weather policies to prevent further tragedies on the field.
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