Pakistani-origin cricketer dies on pitch during extreme heat in Australia
What's the story
Junaid Zafar Khan, a Pakistani-origin cricketer playing in Australia, tragically died while playing a match in Adelaide.
The unfortunate incident happened at Concordia College Oval on March 15, at around 4:00pm ACDT.
He was declared dead at the scene despite paramedics immediately providing him medical assistance, as the conditions of extreme heat took a toll on him.
The Old Concordians Cricket Club expressed grief at his death.
Weather impact
Match played under extreme heat conditions
Khan, who was in his 40s, collapsed during a match between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians.
Temperatures were severe, with the mercury crossing 40°C at the time of the incident.
Under Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws, matches have to be canceled at 42°C though modified playing conditions are allowed for up to 40°C.
Statement
Club expresses condolences to family, friends
The Old Concordians Cricket Club released an official statement mourning Khan's death.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of a valued member of the Old Concordians's Cricket Club, who tragically suffered a medical episode while playing on the Concordia College oval today," it said.
"Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he sadly did not survive."
The club offered its thoughts and condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.
Tributes
Friends remember Khan fondly
Khan, who had moved to Adelaide from Pakistan in 2013 to make it big in the tech industry, was fondly remembered by his friends as well as cricket teammates.
Hasan Anjum called him someone destined for great things and called his death a huge loss. Najam Hassan called him a "gem of a person."
Adelaide was not the only city experiencing scorching heat over the weekend, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius in Sydney and parts of Victoria.