Zimbabwe cricket fans are in shock and are praying for the recovery of their cricketing legend, Heath Streak, who is critically ill and battling for his life in South Africa. The 49-year-old former Zimbabwe skipper, who made his international debut in 1993, is said to be on his deathbed, though the details of his illness remain unknown.
David Coltart, the former minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, confirmed the news on his Twitter account, while sports journalist Mike Madoda urged everyone to keep Streak in their prayers, stating that only a miracle can save the legendary cricketer at the moment.
Heath Streak had a remarkable career in international cricket, representing Zimbabwe in 65 Test matches and 189 ODIs. He scored 1990 runs in the longest format of the game at an average of 22.35, and took 216 wickets at an average of 28.14. In white-ball cricket, he scored 2943 runs and took 239 wickets.
After his playing days ended, Streak was embroiled in a fixing scandal, for which the ICC suspended him. He had accepted payments from potential corruptor, Indian businessman Deepak Agarwal. Streak later apologised for his actions, stating that he never intended to corrupt the game.
Streak also played 175 first-class games and 309 List-A matches, scoring 5684 runs and 408 runs, respectively. He also picked up 499 and 385 wickets in the respective formats.
The cricketing world is united in their prayers for the Zimbabwe legend, with fans and players expressing their shock and concern over Streak’s health. Despite the cloud of controversy that surrounded him after the fixing scandal, Streak remains a revered figure in Zimbabwean cricket.