Tributes began pouring in after former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak was falsely claimed to have died aged 49. Streak has been battling with colon and liver cancer (Stage 4).
Streak, an allrounder, is one the greatest cricketers to have played for Zimbabwe. He represented them in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs between 1993 and 2005.
A fast bowling allrounder, Streak remains the only Zimbabwean to take 100 or more wickets in Test cricket, finishing his career with 216 scalps at 28.14. He also served as captain between 2000 and 2004.
Former cricketers paid their tributes before deleting the post once clarification came from Heath Streak’s daughter and former Zimbabwe fast bowler Henry Olonga.
https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1694183557965779331
Extremely sad hearing about the passing away of Heath Streak. He was very competetive and one of Zimbabwe’s best ever all-rounder. Condolences to his family and friends .Sad to know that quite a few who I got to play against are no more. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/k7tjV7tkQ6— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 23, 2023
https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1694162453821825310
https://twitter.com/henryolonga/status/1694094487776305536
Deeply saddened to hear the loss of Heathstreak. He was a beacon for Zimbabwe cricket. Gone too soon. Condolences to his family and friends.— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 23, 2023
Very sad to hear the passing of Heath Streak. Way too young. Deepest sympathies to family and friends.— Dav Whatmore (@dfwhatmore) August 23, 2023
https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1694195099461456265
https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1694185708817367237
RIP Heath Streak. You were one of the finest Zimbabwean cricketers ever. The cricket world will miss you #HeathStreak pic.twitter.com/QagK6M4ZeK— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) August 23, 2023
Sad to hear about one of the finest bowler of @ZimCricketv, Heath Streak passed away. pic.twitter.com/zeVcANcGj2— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) August 23, 2023
Post his playing career, Streak undertook various coaching assignments including Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Lions.
In August 2021, Streak was banned from all cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for eight years after being found guilty of breaching the governing body’s Anti-Corruption Code.
Streak accepted five charges but denied fixing matches.
“I also want to place on record to the public and fans that I was not involved in any match fixing, spot fixing or attempts to influence a game or share information from a changeroom during a match at any given time in our relationship. This position has been confirmed by the ICC itself in its own statement,” Streak had said in a statement following the ICC verdict.
“I also hope that cricket in Zimbabwe should not be punished or suffer for my actions directly or indirectly. I commit to serving out my sanction as guided by the ICC and am committed to help them and cricket in Zimbabwe in whatever manner I can. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the development of cricket in Zimbabwe, making amends and returning to the game as and when the ICC sees it fit,” he added.
Earlier this year, Zimbabwe sports minister had posted about Streak’s health on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Heath Streak is on his last legs. Family en route to South Africa from the UK.. Seems only a miracle will save him now. Prayers up (sic),” he wrote.
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