In a shocking development, a Pakistani-origin cricketer named Junaid Zafar Khan died while observing Ramadan fast when he was playing a cricket match in Adelaide, Australia. It is believed that Junaid couldn’t tolerate the extreme heat of Adelaide and collapsed.
The incident has left everyone stunned in the cricketing world. The weather conditions at the venue were extreme with the temperature going to 41.7 degrees Celsius. As a result, Junaid, originally from Pakistan, couldn’t suffer the harsh conditions and passed away.
Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan passes away
The incident happened at Concordia College Oval on March 15 at around 4 pm ACDT during the match between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians. Junaid couldn’t bear the extreme heat conditions and collapsed immediately.
He received immediate medical attention from the paramedics but could not get up again. The temperature at the venue exceeded 40°C on a regular basis. The matches are also allowed to be canceled if the temperature reaches 42°C, according to Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws.
The local media revealed that Junaid Zafar Khan was fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. While he was fasting, it is believed that he was consuming water to keep himself hydrated. It is an exemption allowed to Muslims if they are not feeling well.
Old Concordians Cricket Club issues condolence
Junaid’s club Old Concordians Cricket Club issued a statement on the tragic incident. The Club confirmed that they tried to save Junaid but the efforts went in vain.
“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. 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 club stated.
Junaid Zafar Khan is originally from Pakistan but moved to Australia more than a decade ago. He had moved to Adelaide from Pakistan in 2013 to pursue a career in the tech industry. However, his fondness for the game of cricket didn’t end despite coming out of Pakistan and he continued to play cricket down under at the club level.
Mohammed Shami slammed for not fasting during Ramadan
Recently, India fast bowler Mohammed Shami was seen to be drinking fluids during his bowling spell during the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia in Dubai. The pictures went viral on social media and Shami was brutally slammed by some of the users for not fasting during Ramadan.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, who is All India Muslim Jamaat president, had slammed Shami for not fasting during Ramadan and called him a criminal by claiming the act was against Shariat, which is an Islamic personal law.
“A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami, had water or some other beverage during a match. People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe ‘roza’ and even had water… This sends a wrong message to people. By not keeping ‘roza’, he has committed a crime. He should not do this. He is a criminal. He will have to answer to God,” Razvi said.
Shami played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy win with 9 wickets in five matches at an average of 25.88 and an economy rate of 5.68. He emerged as the third-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
