Pakistani-Origin Australian Cricketer Dies During A Match In Adelaide

Junaid Zafar Khan, a Pakistani-origin Australian cricketer, collapsed and died during a cricket match on the pitch as temperatures exceeded 40°C in Adelaide, Australia. 

The deceased was most likely in his 40s and was playing for Old Concordians against Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College Oval when suffered a medical episode around 4pm ACDT. Despite paramedics’ efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

This tragic match was being played under severe heat conditions, with temperatures as high as 41.7°C. According to Adelaide Turf Cricket Association rules, matches are to be cancelled if temperatures hit 42°C, but modified conditions are permitted at 40°C.

"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.

Junaid Zafar Khan moved to Adelaide a decade ago to work in the tech industry. He was known to be a kind and generous person amongst his friends and family. 

remembered as a kind and generous person by friends and fellow players.

“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.”

This incident happened at a time when severe heat waves are affecting South Australia and other parts of the country, with temperatures nearing 40°C in Sydney and Victoria.