A Pakistan origin cricketer, Junaid Zafar Khan suffered a tragic death on a cricket field leaving his friends and family in a state of shock. According to multiple reports, Junaid collapsed on the pitch during a cricket game played in the extreme heat with the mercury hitting 41.7 degrees at the weekend.
The 40-year-old was playing cricket for Old Concordians side against rivals Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College in Adelaide when he collapsed at about 4pm local time. According to news.com.au report, Khan moved to Adelaide from Pakistan in 2013 to work in the tech industry.
A cricketing match played under extreme heat, between the Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians, has ended in disaster.
— 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) March 16, 2025
A player, aged in his 40's, dying on the field - close friends and former team mates left stunned by the sudden death. #9News pic.twitter.com/4VrLbdHk1K
According to Daily Mail report, Khan was observing Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset, but a friend told the publication that he had been drinking water throughout the day. Muslims can drink water during daylight hours during Ramadan if they feel ill.
The Old Collegians released a statement following the tragic death. The statement said, “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. 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.”
What does the cricket rule say in Adelaide?
Adelaide Turf Cricket Association rules state that games are cancelled if the temperature climbs above 42C. Matches can be played in conditions up to 40C, with special measures such as extra breaks for players so they can rehydrate and get a break from the heat.