Image: Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan tragically died during a match in Adelaide / © Firstpost
In the latest shocking incident from the cricketing world, Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan tragically collapsed and died on the field while observing Ramadan during a match in Adelaide, Australia. The incident occurred on March 15 at the Concordia College Oval during a game between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians. Junaid, who moved to Australia in 2013 for a tech career, was fasting and reportedly consuming water due to extreme heat, as allowed by Islamic law.
However, the scorching temperature reached 41.7°C, leading to his collapse around 4 pm ACDT. Despite immediate paramedic attention, Junaid could not be revived. Adelaide Turf Cricket Association rules allow match cancellations if the temperature crosses 42°C. Junaid’s club issued heartfelt condolences over the loss of their beloved teammate.
Meanwhile, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami faced backlash for drinking fluids during a Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia while Muslims were observing Ramadan. Religious leader Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi even labeled him a “criminal” for not fasting. Shami, however, played a vital role in India’s tournament triumph, claiming 9 wickets in five matches at an average of 25.88. This tragic and controversial week has sparked intense debates in the cricketing and religious communities.