Putting an end to rumours and reports around his passing away that surfaced on the internet and elsewhere on Wednesday (August 23) morning, Zimbabwe cricket legend Heath Streak has now confirmed that he is alive and recovering from cancer. News surrounding Streak's demise spread like wildfire after former Zimbabwe player Henry Olonga and current Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams paid tribute to the legendary all-rounder on X (formerly known as Twitter), claiming that the 49-year-old has died. Soon the news went viral on social media with the entire cricket fraternity offering tributes, condolences.
“People should be a bit more careful before spreading such rumours. I am better now and recovering from cancer,” Streak was quoted as saying by Sportstar, expressing his disappointment at the unfortunate development.
“I am at home and obviously there’s still a bit of strain because of the treatment. But otherwise I am fine. Suddenly I get to know that people have started talking about my death, as someone shared it on social media. But that was not all correct. I am recovering and feeling a lot better…," he said.
Henry Olonga, hours after tweeting about Streak's demise, took to messaging platform X (formerly Twitter) to let everyone know that the legendary all-rounder is indeed alive and well. Olonga even posted a screenshot of his conversation with Streak on WhatsApp. He stated, "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."
"Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP Zimbabwe cricket legend," Olonga had earlier posted on X.
Zimbabwe legend Streak is widely regarded as one of finest all-rounders of all time, appearing for his national team in 189 ODIs and 65 Tests, collecting 455 wickets and scoring 4933 runs across the two formats.