Heat policies under review after Old Concordians cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan dies in extreme heat

SACA will help clubs review their policies after a cricketer died in the extreme heat that gripped the state on Saturday.

The peak body for South Australian cricket is supporting local associations to review their hot weather policies after a player died in the extreme heat that gripped SA on Saturday.

Old Concordians cricket player Junaid Zafar Khan collapsed on the pitch 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.

Under Adelaide Turf Cricket Association (ATCA) regulations, the excessive heat policy applies when there is a forecasted temperature of up to 40C, with matches able to continue for senior players in the A1 Premier to B1 grades with restrictions.

Competition for the day is completely abandoned at 42C.

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

The game, which started at 12.30pm on Saturday, was played during extreme heat, with temperatures peaking at 41.7C about 3.30pm.

While individual local competitions govern their own hot weather policies, the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), provides resources to help develop guidelines.

A SACA spokeswoman said “the welfare and safety of cricket players and officials is an ongoing top priority and commitment”.

“SACA is supporting associations in reviewing heat policies,” she said.

In its own SACA First Division Premier competition, games are to be abandoned at 44C.

ATCA executive officer David Heyzer told The Advertiser the hot weather policy would be reviewed at the end of the season, as is protocol with all of its regulations.

The men’s senior season finishes on March 30.

Mr Heyzer would not comment further on the incident and referred to the statement ATCA released on Sunday.

“The Adelaide Turf Cricket Association is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of an Old Concordians Cricket Club player yesterday,” the statement posted to Facebook read.

“Our priority at this time is to support the family and friends of the player, along with members of the Old Concordians Cricket Club and Prince Alfred Old Collegians Cricket Club.

“ATCA would also like to acknowledge the efforts of players from both clubs and the paramedics for their swift response in difficult circumstances.”

SACA also released a statement on social media following the incident.

“We extend our heartfelt care and condolences to the player’s family, friends, and teammates at this difficult time,” the SACA statement read.

“We are continuing to provide support to the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association, Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians cricket clubs as well as the wider cricketing community impacted by this tragic event.”

Originally published as Heat policies under review after Old Concordians cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan dies in extreme heat