Cricketer dies on-pitch due to extreme heatwave, tributes pouring in

Junaid Zafar Khan, a club cricketer in Adelaide, has died after collapsing on the field during a match played in extreme heat.

Khan, aged in his 40s, was representing Old Concordians against Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College Oval on Saturday when he suffered a medical episode around 4pm ACDT. Despite paramedics’ efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded temperatures above 40°C at the time of the incident. Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws state that games must be cancelled if temperatures exceed 42°C, though matches can continue under modified conditions in up to 40°C heat.

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.”

Khan moved to Adelaide from Pakistan in 2013 to work in the tech industry. He was 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.”

The incident comes amid a severe heatwave affecting South Australia and other parts of the country, with temperatures nearing 40°C in Sydney and Victoria.