Pakistani cricketer Junaid Zafar dies due to extreme heat in Australia; experts share impact of heatwave on body

In a tragic incident, Pakistani-origin cricketer Junaid Zafar Khan passed away at the age of 40 during a match in Australia on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

According to news.com.au, the incident took place during a match between Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians at Concordia College in Adelaide around 4 pm. The cricketer reportedly died on the field due to extreme heat conditions.

The report suggests that the weather conditions were severe, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius at the time of the incident. However, according to Adelaide Turf Cricket Association bylaws, matches must be cancelled if the temperature is 42 degrees Celsius.

The modified playing conditions are permitted for temperatures up to 40ˇăC.

Junaid Khan was fasting during Ramadan

Amid the news about the cricketer's death, the Daily Mail reported that Junaid was fasting during Ramadan and had been only consuming water all day long. (Ad exemptions permit Muslims to not do so when not feeling well.)

A cricketing match played under extreme heat, between the Old Concordians and Prince Alfred Old Collegians, has ended in disaster.

A player, aged in his 40's, dying on the field - close friends and former team mates left stunned by the sudden death. #9News pic.twitter.com/4VrLbdHk1K

ˇŞ 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) March 16, 2025

But what is the impact of extreme heat on the human body? ˇ°Excessively high temperatures can severely impact human health. If a person stays in a hot place for too long, he or she can suffer from diseases like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke, which can be fatal,ˇ± says Dr. Vinit Banga, Director of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad.

The elderly, small children and those with diseases are more at risk of heat-related illnesses. Dr. Banga adds, ˇ°Extreme heat can worsen heart and lung diseases, leading to more trips to the hospital. Moreover, heat can reduce the quality of air, which can cause asthma and other breathing issues. Direct exposure over a long time can also lead to anxiety and tension.ˇ±

Credit: X

If you are holding fasts this Ramadan, make sure that you stay hydrated, not going outside when itˇŻs hot, and use air conditioning, suggests Dr. Banga.

Can extreme heat or temperature lead to death?

An individual suffers a heat stroke when the body temperature exceeds 104ˇăF (40ˇăC), and the body loses its ability to cool itself. Without treatment, this could harm your organs and potentially kill you. ˇ°Yes, extreme heat can lead to death, primarily through heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion,ˇ± adds Dr. Neha Pandita, consultant neurologist at Fortis Hospital, Okhla.

Dehydration makes things worse by making it harder for the body to sweat and cool off. Illnesses due to heat can give you dizziness, vomiting, fast pulse, and confusion. Dr. Pandita advises to ˇ°Protect yourself by drinking a lot of water, wearing loose and light clothes, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest times of the day.ˇ±

To reduce body temperature, seek help from air conditioning, fans, and cool showers. Always check people like the old ones.