Heath Streak Death False News: Former Teammates & Cricket Fraternity Had Paid Tribute To Zimbabwe Great

Former teammates and the cricket fraternity paid their tributes to former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who everyone believed to have passed away at the age of 49 on Wednesday (August 23) after a long battle with cancer. But the death news seems to be a wild rumour.

Streak, who was known for his prowess with the ball, is undergoing treatment for cancer under one of the most respected oncologists in South Africa.

Streak's bowling partner Henry Olanga had taken to social media to express grief over the passing of the legendary bowling all-rounder, but hours later confirmed the news as fake.

"Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP @ZimCricketv legend. The greatest all-rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you. See you on the other side when my bowling spell comes to an end," Olonga posted on X.

However, hours later Olanga once again took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to confirm the rumours of his former pace bowling partner were greatly exaggerated.

"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," Olanga's post with a text conversation screenshot read.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who also faced Streak during his playing days, had taken to social media to express his grief at the passing of the Zimbabwe pace-bowling all-rounder, who is still alive.

"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," Sehwag posted on X.

Sehwag's teammate VVS Laxman also paid tribute to Streak by tagging the Zimbabwe cricket team handle: "Sad to hear about the passing away of Heath Streak. Heartfelt Condolences to his family, friends and fans of @ZimCricketv"

Spin great Anil Kumble, who had also shared a field with Streak, paid his condolences on X: "Deeply saddened to hear the loss of Heathstreak. He was a beacon for Zimbabwe cricket. Gone too soon. Condolences to his family and friends."

Several other former Indian cricketers as well as IPL teams paid their tributes to the legendary pacer, who announced his retirement at the age of 31, in 2005. Streak still remains the only Zimbabwe bowler with more than 100 Test and over 200 ODI wickets. But now the news has turned out to be a hoax.