News / Local
'Heath Streak not dead'
23 Aug 2023 at 01:34hrs | Views
The SPORTS AND RECREATION COMMISSION has issued a statement saying FORMER Zimbabwe cricket captain and coach Heath Hilton Streak who some publications this morning reported that he had died is still alive. Read statement below:
HEATH HILTON STREAK
We live in an age where any news, particularly on social media, prefixed with 'breaking news' is taken as fact.
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.
If in fact it may not be already clear. Heath Streak is alive. He has not passed away.
The undersigned has spoken to him this morning for his permission to issue this brief statement for the sake of his family and friends.
Today, of all days, and in the coming days, let us reflect deeply on what we choose to post, whether it is verified and factual, ethical or moral to do so, who we are hurting and causing trauma to; and ultimately whether our so called "breaking news" is lawful under the laws of our country.
Whilst the overwhelming majority of posts this moming 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 as we might all be.
Gerald N Miotshwa
CHAIRMAN
23rd August, 2023
@0750 hours.
Board of Commissioners
Hours after announcing Streak's death on X, his former teammate Henry Olonga said in a second post that the legend is alive. Henry Olonga said in his new post that "rumours of Streak's death were greatly exaggerated" and that he had heard from him.
"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," Olonga's new tweet read.
It was his tweet this morning, now deleted, that triggered reports and messages on Heath Streak's "demise". A number of Zimbabwe and other international cricketers had taken to X (formerly Twitter).
"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.
Streak is one of the most decorated cricketers of his time, representing Zimbabwe in 65 Tests, 189 ODIs while scoring 4933 runs and taking 455 wickets for his country across formats. Streak, till date, remains the only player from Zimbabwe with a double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests and 2000 runs and 200 wickets in ODIs. A number of his records still inspire cricketers, not just in Zimbabwe but across the world.
Streak, who was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer, saw his condition deteriorate in May, prompting his family to hospitalise him immediately. Some of his teammates took to X (formerly) Twitter to post the news of his demise. Former Zimbabwe pacer Henry Olonga earlier took to 'X' to share the news.
HEATH HILTON STREAK
We live in an age where any news, particularly on social media, prefixed with 'breaking news' is taken as fact.
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.
If in fact it may not be already clear. Heath Streak is alive. He has not passed away.
The undersigned has spoken to him this morning for his permission to issue this brief statement for the sake of his family and friends.
Today, of all days, and in the coming days, let us reflect deeply on what we choose to post, whether it is verified and factual, ethical or moral to do so, who we are hurting and causing trauma to; and ultimately whether our so called "breaking news" is lawful under the laws of our country.
Whilst the overwhelming majority of posts this moming 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 as we might all be.
CHAIRMAN
23rd August, 2023
@0750 hours.
Board of Commissioners
Hours after announcing Streak's death on X, his former teammate Henry Olonga said in a second post that the legend is alive. Henry Olonga said in his new post that "rumours of Streak's death were greatly exaggerated" and that he had heard from him.
"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," Olonga's new tweet read.
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. pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB
— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 23, 2023
It was his tweet this morning, now deleted, that triggered reports and messages on Heath Streak's "demise". A number of Zimbabwe and other international cricketers had taken to X (formerly Twitter).
"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.
Streak is one of the most decorated cricketers of his time, representing Zimbabwe in 65 Tests, 189 ODIs while scoring 4933 runs and taking 455 wickets for his country across formats. Streak, till date, remains the only player from Zimbabwe with a double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in Tests and 2000 runs and 200 wickets in ODIs. A number of his records still inspire cricketers, not just in Zimbabwe but across the world.
Streak, who was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer, saw his condition deteriorate in May, prompting his family to hospitalise him immediately. Some of his teammates took to X (formerly) Twitter to post the news of his demise. Former Zimbabwe pacer Henry Olonga earlier took to 'X' to share the news.
Source - Byo24News
