After multiple reports early on August 23 ran the news that former Zimbabwe all-rounder Heath Streak had passed away, he has now confirmed he is alive and well but is none too pleased with the rumour mongers on social media.
Streak, 49, who is fighting a battle against liver cancer told Mid-Day on Wednesday morning, "It is a total rumour and a lie. I'm alive and well. I am very upset to learn that something as big as someone apparently passing can be spread unverified, especially in our day and age of social media".
"I believe the source should apologise. I am hurt by the news,” the news added.
The news spread after a tweet shared by his former teammate Henry Olonga. But eight hours after his original tweet, the bowler then shared a screenshot of his conversation with the bowler, saying, "I can confirm that rumours of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive folks."
Heath Streak is one of the most distinguished players in Zimbabwe's cricket history. Over his illustrious 12-year career, he participated in 65 Test matches and 189 One Day Internationals (ODIs), often shouldering the responsibility of upholding the cricketing reputation of Zimbabwe almost single-handedly.
Notably, Streak has the distinguished honour of being the sole Zimbabwean cricketer to claim over 100 Test wickets.
The cricketing journey of Streak commenced in 1993 when he made his debut against Pakistan. He swiftly made a mark, claiming a remarkable eight wickets in just his second Test match in Rawalpindi. 2005 saw Streak hanging up his boots, and after captaining Warwickshire for two years up until 2006, he concluded that phase of his career due to form-related concerns. His last sojourn in international cricket was with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
IND vs IRE, 3rd T20I: Will rain affect India vs Ireland dead-rubber fixture in Malahide?
