Junaid Zafar Khan died while playing cricket on Saturday

A community is in mourning after one of their own collapsed and died while playing cricket on a day of extreme heat.

Junaid Zafar Khan died while playing cricket for Old Concordians LO5 at Concordia College on March 15, 2025. Picture: Facebook

• Cricket league’s heat policy explained

A man in his 40s who died playing cricket for Old Concordians during Saturday’s extreme heat has been identified as Junaid Zafar Khan.

Mr Khan collapsed while batting for Old Concordians LO5 against Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College about 4pm.

Ambulances rushed to the Highgate grounds and conducted CPR but were unable to revive him.

Mr Khan had fielded for 40 overs and had been batting for seven overs in the 40C heat when he became seriously ill.

Junaid Khan moved to Adelaide from Pakistan. Picture: Facebook

It is understood Mr Khan arrived in Australia from Pakistan to work in the tech industry in 2013, with a close friend describing his achievements in that field as “extremely successful”.

Hasan Anjum has known Mr Khan for more than 10 years, first developing their friendship on the cricket field.

“(Mr Khan) always liked to have a laugh, he always had something to say to cheer people up,” Mr Anjum said.

“He was an extremely smart, sharp and savvy man.”

Mr Anjum said Mr Khan would assist new arrivals to Australia by helping them to find employment.

“He just enjoyed helping people,” Mr Anjum said.

“It’s a huge loss, he was destined for very big things in his life.”

A personal family friend of Mr Khan, Najam Hassan, described him as a “gem of a person”.

“He was such a cheerful person who everyone adored,” Mr Hassan said.

“We still can’t process this news – everyone is in a state of shock.”

It is understood Mr Khan’s wife had just arrived in Australia from Pakistan to join him in January this year.

On Saturday, Concordia College and the Old Concordians’ Association released a statement saying Mr Khan suffered a medical episode.

“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 statement said.

Junaid Zafar Khan (L) and Najam (R) in November, 2022. Picture: Facebook

“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.”

The temperature in Adelaide on Saturday exceeded 40C.

Mr Khan was opening the batting for his club on Saturday. Picture: Facebook

According to the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws, all games must be cancelled if the weather exceeds 42C.

However, games can continue in weather up to 40C, but “special playing conditions”, including extra tea breaks, are introduced.

Australian Medical Association SA president Dr John Williams said the tragedy was a reminder of how dangerous heat can be.

“As South Australians, we are used to the extreme heat, but this is just a reminder of how serious it can be,” Dr Williams said.

“People really need to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion – feeling clammy, excessive sweat, extreme thirst, muscle cramps.

“They’re all important signs to show the body’s temperature is getting beyond what it can manage.”

He said that people’s personal circumstances – including illnesses or religious beliefs – should be taken into consideration before going out in extreme weather.

“Any death is really unacceptable so perhaps policies should be looked at to account for those with other considerations,” he said.

“What might be okay for a healthy person to manage, or someone who is hydrated, people with other considerations might not be able to manage it.”

The Advertiser understands Mr Khan, a Muslim, was observing Ramadan on the Friday before the game, but a close friend confirmed he had been drinking water throughout the sweltering Saturday.

During Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, observant Muslims abstain from food and drink every day from dawn to sunset – including water.

However, Imam Kamran Tahir from Mahmood Mosque emphasised that those observing Ramadan can drink water if they are unwell.

“Knowing it was a recreational game and the game day was going to be a very hot day, as a precaution the decision should have been not to play, but if it’s decided to play then it’s acceptable to stop a game during Ramadan if needed due to health reasons,” he said.

“If someone is struggling and their life or health is at risk during a game, they should break their fast. Islamic teachings emphasise that saving a life is more important than fasting.”

Ahmed Zreika, president of the Islamic Society of South Australia, said his thoughts and prayers were with Mr Khan’s family.

“His passing is a heartbreaking loss and we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and the wider community,” Mr Zreika said.

“At this stage, there’s no official confirmation on the cause of his passing and it’s important to let medical professionals do their job rather than speculate.

“Fasting in Ramadan has been safely practiced for centuries by millions of people worldwide, including athletes and those in physically demanding jobs. Islam also makes it clear that if someone is unwell or unable to fast for health reasons, they’re exempt. There’s no evidence to suggest fasting alone causes sudden medical events.”

Originally published as Junaid Zafar Khan died while playing cricket on Saturday