Zimbabwe Cricket Icon Heath Streak Passes Away

Heath Streak, a former captain of Zimbabwe who had been receiving cancer treatment, passed away late on Tuesday, according to his former teammate Henry Olonga. He was 49 years old.

The all-rounder was his nation's all-time highest wicket-taker in tests. 

He played 65 Tests between 1993 and 2005, taking 216 wickets and scoring 1,990 runs. 

Additionally, he took 239 wickets and scored 2,943 runs while playing in 189 one-day internationals.

Heath Streak has moved over to the other side, which is sad news. Olonga sent the following message on messaging service X, formerly known as Twitter: "RIP Zimbabwe cricket icon.

"The greatest all-rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you."

Reuters has contacted Zimbabwe's cricket body for comment.

Post-retirement Streak served as Bangladesh coach and was the bowling coach of twice Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

In 2021 he was given an eight-year ban from the sport after admitting breaches of the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption code. He took "full responsibility" for his actions but said he was never involved in any attempts to fix matches.

Zimbabwe test skipper Sean Williams said Streak had left "a legacy for us to live up to".

"No words can explain what you and your family have done for mine and many others," Williams said.

"You will be missed we love you dearly. Rest in peace Streaky.