ADELAIDE, MAR 17: A cricketer collapsed and died while playing in extreme heat conditions at Concordia College Oval in Adelaide, South Australia. According to Australian media reports, 40-year-old Junaid Zafar Khan collapsed on the field and could not be revived while participating in a match played during temperatures that reached 41.7°C (107°F).
Khan, who represented Old Concordia Cricket Club, had fielded for 40 overs before batting for approximately seven overs when the incident occurred. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene after his collapse.
Paramedics attempted CPR at the ground, but were unable to save Khan despite their efforts. The club released a statement expressing their profound sadness over the loss of their teammate.
“The paramedics did their utmost best, but unfortunately, the cricketer could not survive,” the club statement read. “The players are extremely distraught over the death of their fellow cricketer.”
The tragedy raises questions about heat safety protocols in amateur sports. According to Adelaide Turf Cricket Association regulations, matches are automatically cancelled when temperatures exceed 42°C, while special precautionary measures are implemented for temperatures above 40°C.
The incident occurred just below the threshold for automatic cancellation, with the recorded temperature at 41.7°C during play. Heat-related illnesses in sports include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, which can be life-threatening when unaddressed.
