Pakistan-origin Australian cricketer tragically passes away during match in Adelaide

Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan tragically passed away during a match in Adelaide amid extreme heat conditions, Australian media reports confirmed.

Khan, who played for the Old Concordia Cricket Club, collapsed suddenly at the Concordia College Oval and did not regain consciousness. The match was being played in scorching temperatures, reaching 41.7°C at the time of the incident.

Khan had been fielding for 40 overs before coming in to bat for seven overs. Shortly after his batting stint, he collapsed on the field, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Paramedics arrived promptly, and medical staff administered CPR in an attempt to revive him, but their efforts were unfortunately unsuccessful.

A close friend of Khan revealed that he had been fasting during the time of the match, though he was seen drinking water that day. His sudden passing has left his teammates and the wider cricket community deeply saddened.

The Old Concordia Cricket Club expressed their profound grief over Khan’s loss and paid tribute to the quick actions of the paramedics who tried to save his life.

Under regulations set by the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association, matches are canceled if the temperature exceeds 42°C. However, games are permitted to continue if the temperature rises above 40°C, with specific safety measures in place.

The official cause of Khan’s death has not yet been determined. 

Ahmed Zreika, President of the Islamic Society, noted that there is no direct evidence linking Khan’s fasting to the tragic incident. Khan had moved to Adelaide from Pakistan in 2013 to pursue a career in the tech industry.

The cricketing community and the Old Concordia Cricket Club are mourning the loss of a beloved player.