Bhubaneswar: Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who was battling colon and liver cancer for a long time, died on Sunday at the age of 49.
His wife Nadine Streak took to social media to confirm the news. “In the early hours of this morning, Sunday the 3rd of September 2023, the greatest love of my life and the father of my beautiful children, was carried to be with the Angels from his home where he wished to spend his last days surrounded by his family and closest loved ones,” she wrote on Facebook.
This comes a week after fake reports of Heath’s death were circulated on social media. His former teammate, Henry Olonga, who had posted the unverified news on his official X profile, later apologised for the gaffe.
Streak played 65 Tests and 189 ODIs for Zimbabwe from 1993-2005 while scoring 4933 runs and taking 455 wickets for his country across formats. He still remains the only Zimbabwe bowler with more than 100 Test and over 200 ODI wickets. In 2021, hewas banned for eight years from cricketing activities for violating the ICC’s anti-corruption policy by allegedly leaking inside-information about T20 leagues, including the Indian Premier League.
CCONDOLENCES POUR IN
Sad to hear the passing away of #HeathStreak. He was a prominent figure in the rise of Zimbabwe cricket in the late 90’s and early 2000’s and very competetive.
Heartfelt Condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/52WUCZ259O— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 3, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to #HeathStreak’ s family and friends.
He was a fierce competitor and led Zimbabwe admirably.
May God give strength to the bereaved family. pic.twitter.com/70DVhtEJTk— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) September 3, 2023
A sad day for the cricket fraternity. Rest in peace, Heath Streak. 🕊️
Our thoughts & prayers are with his family. #RIPHeathStreak pic.twitter.com/FBAb5utWab
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) September 3, 2023
Heath Streak was probably one of the finest all rounders for Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Condolences to his family and friends, Life is so unpredictable man!💔
RIP Legend!#HeathStreakpic.twitter.com/XeVk3nwokJ
— 🦅 (@Hustler4CSK) September 3, 2023