Former Zimbabwe captain and coach Heath Streak has not died.
Several former and current international cricketers, including Zimbabweans Henry Olonga and Seam Williams, mourned the reported passing of Streak on Wednesday.
However, Zimbabwe’s sports and recreation commission chairman Gerald Molotshwa later confirmed Streak is alive. The 49-year-old Streak has colon cancer.
“Today, this morning, the world, including many of Heath’s close family, relatives and friends, and indeed, Heath himself woke up to the news of his demise,” read a statement from Molotshwa.
“If in fact it may not be already clear, Heath Streak is alive. He has not passed away. I have spoken to him this morning to issue this brief statement for the sake of his family and friends.
“While the overwhelming majority of posts this morning celebrated the life and achievements of this legendary cricketer, let us nonetheless respect the privacy of Heath’s family at this point in time, as well intentioned we might be.”
Streak played 65 Tests and 189 ODIs from 1993 and 2005. He moved into coaching after playing – and worked with Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Scotland in international cricket.
He also worked with the Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League – and Somerset in English county cricket.
The International Cricket Council gave Streak an eight-year ban for corruption in 2021.
