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Heath Streak, former Zimbabwe captain, dies at age 49 after a long battle with cancer

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Markhor

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Breaking news in the last few minutes. Apparently Streak facilitated corrupt approaches to players as a coach in international cricket and various T20 leagues.

Shocking, heartbreaking news given Streak is an iconic figure in Zimbabwe cricket.

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Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has been banned from all cricket for eight years after he accepted five charges of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Mr. Streak was charged as a participant under the Code by virtue of his status as the coach of Zimbabwe from 2016 to 2018 and as the coach of various domestic teams. The charges are as follows:

2.3.2 – disclosing inside information under both the ICC Code and various domestic Codes, in circumstances where he knew or should have known that such information may be used for betting purposes. In particular, he disclosed inside information in relation to matches in the 2018 Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Zimbabwe v Afghanistan series in 2018, the IPL 2018 and the APL 2018.

2.3.3 – directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any participant to breach the Code. In particular, he facilitated or attempted to facilitate the introduction of four different players, including a national captain, to someone he knew, or should have known, may have wanted to approach them to provide inside information for betting purposes.

2.4.2 – Failing to disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that the participant knew or should have known was given to them to procure a breach of the Code or that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code including in relation to international matches, matches in the 2017 BPL, the 2018 Pakistan Super League, the 2018 IPL and the 2018 APL.

Article 2.4.7 – obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and / or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Under the provisions of the Code, Mr. Streak chose to admit the charges and agreed the sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing. He will be free to resume his involvement in the game on 28 March 2029.

Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, said: “Heath Streak is an experienced former international cricketer and national team coach, who had participated in numerous anti-corruption education sessions and was fully aware of his responsibilities under the Code.

“As a former captain and coach, he held a position of trust and owed a duty to uphold the integrity of the game. He breached the Code on several occasions, including facilitating the approach of four other players. At times, he also sought to obstruct and delay our investigation.

“The offences did not affect the outcomes of any relevant matches and Mr Streak has agreed to assist the ICC anti-corruption education programme for which we are grateful. He has also expressed his remorse and contrition and entered this agreed sanction decision to avoid the need for a full disciplinary process. The sanction reflects this cooperation.”
 
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Markhor said:
Breaking news in the last few minutes. Apparently Streak facilitated corrupt approaches to players as a coach in international cricket and various T20 leagues.

Shocking, heartbreaking news given Streak is an iconic figure in Zimbabwe cricket.
Click to expand...

This is very shocking. He was one of my favourites in the 90s. And always came across as honest.
Well, money and greed can pull you in at any point of time.
 
These are the tournaments Streak was under investigation for by ICC:

Provision of inside information:

1. 2018 Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka;
2. 2018 Zimbabwe v Afghanistan series;
3. 2018 Indian Premier League;
4. 2018 Afghanistan Premier League

Failure to disclose corrupt approaches:

1. 2017 Bangladesh Premier League;
2. 2018 Pakistan Super League;
3. 2018 Indian Premier League;
4. 2018 Afghanistan Premier League
 
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[MENTION=138771]Firebat[/MENTION] [MENTION=140824]Last Monetarist[/MENTION] - can you add this to Post #3 please ?

Mr. Streak was charged as a participant under the Code by virtue of his status as the coach of Zimbabwe from 2016 to 2018 and as the coach of various domestic teams. The charges are as follows:

2.3.2 – disclosing inside information under both the ICC Code and various domestic Codes, in circumstances where he knew or should have known that such information may be used for betting purposes. In particular, he disclosed inside information in relation to matches in the 2018 Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Zimbabwe v Afghanistan series in 2018, the IPL 2018 and the APL 2018.

2.3.3 – directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any participant to breach the Code. In particular, he facilitated or attempted to facilitate the introduction of four different players, including a national captain, to someone he knew, or should have known, may have wanted to approach them to provide inside information for betting purposes.

2.4.2 – Failing to disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that the participant knew or should have known was given to them to procure a breach of the Code or that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code including in relation to international matches, matches in the 2017 BPL, the 2018 Pakistan Super League, the 2018 IPL and the 2018 APL.
Click to expand...

So he didn't fix the 2018 WC Qualifiers ?

Reading on Twitter that Streak accepted 2 Bitcoins converted to $35,000 from "Mr X" and an iPhone gifted to his wife.
 
Yup! Just read this, very shocking. Didn't expect this from a legend like Heath Streak.

Also it shows ZC were right in sacking him after 2018 WCQ debacle, a move that resulted in a huge backlash amongst fans and players.

Very dissappointed.
 
more names as such of cricketers who played during the 90s and early 2000s will emerge.

It might have been their thing at the time to be in contact with bookies just as it is today to be in contact with agents who get them big money deals with gigs around the world for T20s and T10s
 
Can't say I am shocked to learn about any of this happening, there have been loud murmurs of corruption in franchise cricket for a long while. I seriously doubt Streak will be the only high-profile coach involved in such activities.
 
The ICC and the boards don't help themselves when they let high-profile cricketers such as Shakib-ul-Hasan get away with a proverbial slap on the wrist. It will keep happening till the bans are prohibitive.
 
Very disappointing to hear, you can’t trust anyone.

Was a fine cricketer and certainly gave Pakistan a hard time on many occasions, such a shame the legacy is tarnished.
 
Markhor said:
[MENTION=138771]Firebat[/MENTION] [MENTION=140824]Last Monetarist[/MENTION] - can you add this to Post #3 please ?



So he didn't fix the 2018 WC Qualifiers ?

Reading on Twitter that Streak accepted 2 Bitcoins converted to $35,000 from "Mr X" and an iPhone gifted to his wife.
Click to expand...

35K aur ek I phone mai hi bik gaya
 
I love how everyone acts shocked when someone is caught fixing like cricketers dont fix matches on a daily basis
 
Markhor said:
[MENTION=138771]Firebat[/MENTION] [MENTION=140824]Last Monetarist[/MENTION] - can you add this to Post #3 please ?



So he didn't fix the 2018 WC Qualifiers ?

Reading on Twitter that Streak accepted 2 Bitcoins converted to $35,000 from "Mr X" and an iPhone gifted to his wife.
Click to expand...

He probably did, they just arent disclosing it to save face for the WC.
 
Heath Streak banned for eight years for graft; contacted bookie during IPL 2018

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has been banned for eight years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption. Streak admitted to five breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, including his transgression during the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) when he was Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) bowling coach. All along, during a period of over 15 months, an Indian bookie, identified as Mr X, was involved and Streak also admitted to accepting two bitcoin payments that were “subsequently converted into US $35,000 in cash”.

The former fast bowler was charged by the ICC on five counts, one of which said: “disclosing inside information under both the ICC Code and various domestic Codes, in circumstances where he knew or should have known that such information may be used for betting purposes. In particular, he disclosed inside information in relation to matches in the 2018 Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Zimbabwe v Afghanistan series in 2018, the IPL 2018 and the APL 2018.”

Apart from that, Streak was found guilty of “directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any participant to breach the Code”. The ICC stated that Streak, 47, “facilitated or attempted to facilitate” the introduction of four different players, “including a national captain” to an alleged Indian bookmaker “for betting purposes”.

Streak was the bowling coach of the now-defunct IPL franchise Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017 before he was roped in by KKR in 2018. The decision summary put out by the ICC mentioned that Streak disclosed inside information to the Indian bookie in relation to the 2018 IPL.

“… he disclosed Inside Information to Mr X on various occasions under both the ICC Code and various domestic Codes, in circumstances where he knew or should have known that such information may be used for betting purposes,” stated the decision summary.

Streak played 65 Tests, scoring 1,990 runs and taking 216 wickets. In 189 ODIs, he made 2,943 runs and collected 239 scalps. Since his retirement in 2009, he coached the Zimbabwe national team over two stints – 2009-2013 and 2016-2018. He also coached the Bangladesh national side from 2014-2016 before acting as KKR’s bowling coach in 2018 and the Kabul Zwanan team in the same capacity in the Afghanistan Premier League (APL) the same year.

The decision summary said Streak got in touch with the Indian bookie, “at Mr X’s instigation”, over WhatsApp in September 2017 and the conversation was about “organising a league in Zimbabwe”. The bookie asked Streak “if he would be interested as he could earn some good money from it”.

Mr X informed Streak that he was involved in cricket betting, as he requested the details of the latter’s bank account outside Zimbabwe, which Streak provided.

Personal emails IDs and phone numbers were used for the conversations, which lasted over 15 months. “… in relation to the 2017 edition of the Bangladesh Premier League, (the “BPL”), Mr X asked Mr Streak to provide him with any links, namely team captains, or owners or players, in the BPL, saying they could earn good money as a result which they could invest in a T20 event in Zimbabwe. It appeared that Mr X wanted Mr Streak to provide him with contacts of players, team owners etc. who Mr X could then approach for Inside Information, such as which team would win a match, in upcoming matches,” the decision summary stated.

Streak provided the bookie with contact details of three players in the BPL. The bookie had also “asked for player references for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018”, and “Mr X also requested, and Mr Streak provided, Inside Information relating to matches in the APL.”

As the report mentioned, Streak received an iPhone from the bookie as a gift for his wife during the APL, which he didn’t disclose to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).

The ACU sent a notice to Streak in December 2018 to attend an interview the next month but before the interview, the former player “engaged in a series of WhatsApp messages with Mr X, knowing that Mr X himself had recently been interviewed by the ACU”.

Streak, who failed to report any of the approaches, admitted all the charges and accepted the sanction. He will be able to return to cricket on March 28, 2029.

The BCCI, however, is unlikely to punish KKR for Streak’s transgression. Earlier, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended when their key officials, Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra respectively, were found to be involved in betting during the 2013 season. But the IPL code of conduct protocols and subsequent action for a breach are different for team owners/officials and players/support staff. Streak was a support staff with the Kolkata-based franchise. Asked about BCCI’s future course of action as regards to Streak and KKR, a top Board official said: “We have to go through the ICC judgment and get all the details before taking a decision.”

ICC Anti-Corruption Unit General Manager Alex Marshall said: “He (Streak) breached the Code on several occasions, including facilitating the approach of four other players. At times, he also sought to obstruct and delay our investigation.”

He confirmed that Streak’s “offences did not affect the outcomes of any relevant matches”.

How it unfolded

— In September 2017, Streak began a WhatsApp conversation with an Indian bookie, Mr X.

— In 2017, Streak provided Mr X with the contact details of three players in the BPL, including a national captain.

— In 2018, Streak disclosed inside information to Mr X regarding matches in the IPL apart from a triangular series and a Zimbabwe-Afghanistan series.

— In 2018, Mr X asked Streak for player references for PSL.

— In 2018, Streak facilitated the introduction of one player to Mr X during the APL.

— Streak received two bitcoin payments from Mr X, converted to $35,000 in cash.

— Streak received a new iPhone as a gift for his wife from Mr X during the APL.

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/heath-streak-icc-corruption-breaches-eight-year-ban-7273474/
 
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It's good that PCB is trusting honest guys like Misbah, Younis, Saqlain,Yousaf and not the 90s guys (who PPers want as "coaches")

Waqar is the only guy who is breaking that rule but he is been working with PCB for God knows how many years so I guess he has established thier trust

Fixing is just a scary thing for any cricket nation and last thing you want is your captain/Coach involved in it

(Btw Shakib was charged because of investigation into Heth's case)
 
Again, a direct consequence of the appalling India-centric distribution of income from cricket.

Luis Suarez comes from Uruguay, a country whose sale of international football TV rights generates 0.1% of the sales from the UK or France or Germany.

But he earns more than England’s Ollie Watkins or France’s Olivier Giroud or Germany’s Timo Warner.

Heath Streak was a world class cricketer who earned peanuts because he was Zimbabwean.

As long as cricket’s TV revenue is mainly diverted to India, this will keep happening to players from New Zealand, South Africa and Zimbabwe whose legitimate pay is a complete joke.
 
Sad to hear. He should not be involved with coaching or teams anymore. Would not feel comfortable him returning after his 8 years. Didn't expect this from Heath.
 
The corrupter Deepak Agarwal is the same guy who approached Shakib. Infact Heath Streak was the conduit.
 
Really sad to hear about this.

Streak was a very good cricketer.

— In 2018, Mr X asked Streak for player references for PSL.
Click to expand...
Did he provide them?
 
Saj said:
Really sad to hear about this.

Streak was a very good cricketer.

Did he provide them?
Click to expand...

A bit more on this topic:

Former Zimbabwe all-rounder and coach Heath Streak, who was handed an eight-year ban yesterday from all cricket, was tasked with finding “connections” within the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by an Indian bookie.

According to sources, Streak was asked to identify individuals who could be used for corrupt activities during the PSL in 2018. Although, it must be noted that the former Zimbabwe cricketer has not participated in the PSL in any capacity over the past seasons.

Sources have also revealed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had asked for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s permission to investigate the matter, because the PSL is a domestic league and out of the governing body’s jurisdiction, but the matter did not go any further as Streak did not reveal any names during the investigation.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...h-finding-connections-in-psl-by-indian-bookie
 
(Reuters) - Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani says the eight-year ban handed to former national team all-rounder and coach Heath Streak for corruption is the sport’s darkest day in the country.

The 47-year-old Streak admitted five breaches of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption code and agreed to the sanction that was revealed on Wednesday.

“This is a very sad and shameful episode that might well go down in history as the darkest day in Zimbabwean cricket,” Mukuhlani said in a statement.

“Streak was a powerful figure adored by many and held up as an idol for future generations of cricketers. But, as we and the rest of the world now know, Streak was also a corrupt, greedy and selfish character, who regrettably abused his status and position in pursuit of dirty benefits.”

Mukuhlani endorsed the punishment and said it would “help to reinforce the measures that the ICC and ZC have been taking to root out any wrongdoing in cricket.

“We will continue to work actively within our structures and with the ICC to combat criminality in all of its forms and to ensure that cricket remains clean locally and globally.”

Streak, who played 65 tests and 189 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe from 1993-2005, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The charges against him included revealing inside information which could be used for betting purposes and failing to disclose a payment in bitcoins from a potential corrupter to anti-corruption officials.

The games in question include several international matches in 2018, as well as games in Twenty20 leagues in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

https://www.reuters.com/article/ozasp-uk-cricket-zimbabwe-streak-idAFKBN2C12MK-OUKSP
 
Cricket Corruption: Bitcoin transaction is new phenomenon, says ICC Integrity head Marshall

NEW DELHI: Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak's shocking admission of cricket corruption has also shone a light on cryptocurrency finding a place in the bookies' list of enticements a brand new challenge for the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit, which claims to be ready for the battle.
Streak was on Wednesday banned by the ICC for eight years after admitting to disclose inside information to a suspected Indian bookie during his coaching stints in Zimbabwe, Bangladesh as well as the IPL, Afghanistan Premier League and the Bangladesh Premier League.
Till date cash has been the most preferred mode of payment for bookies, who also pay in kind with cars, jewellery and high-end phones.
However, Streak's case has thrown up the use of bitcoin in corrupt payments. The ICC's detailed judgement in the case has revealed that Streak once received two "bitcoins" from a corruptor in 2018, valued at $35,000 at that time.
"It is a new phenomenon for us, but we have staff capable of investigating it. Corrupters try to use all modes including cash and 'hawala', which are not easy to trace either. Bitcoins pose a similar challenge," ICC ACU General Manager Alex Marshall said in an email reply to PTI's query on Thursday.

So what is cryptocurrency?
In layman's language, 'Cryptocurrency' is virtual money. It is the purchase of a digital asset based on an algorithm.
The bitcoins that are generated aren't regulated by any central banking authority in any country (like the Reserve Bank of India) and in many countries like India, it is still an illegal tender.
In simpler words, it is a "Blockchain Industry" where a financial transaction between two people sitting in two different parts of the world will not have any intermediaries.
The valuation of one bitcoin is staggering. One bitcoin's INR value currently stands at Rs 46.83 lakh or $62,453.

However, the bigger challenge is that coding of "cryptocurrency" is believed to be watertight. There are elaborately programmed vaults (digital) and the tracking can be infinitely more difficult when compared to paper tenders like INR, USD or GBP.
Marshall said that ICC is up for the challenge in the coming days now that a new method of corruption has emerged. "Tracking bitcoin transactions may not be easy but we have the right people with the right expertise, understanding and network needed to ensure we stay ahead of the corruptors," Marshall said.
Even BCCI's new head of Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) Shabbir Hussain Shekhadam Khandwawala said that he heard of payment through bitcoins for the first time.

"Yes, I was going through the details of the Heath Streak case. I have also heard about bitcoin transactions for the first time,"
the former DGP of Gujarat Police told PTI.
However, Hussain feels that tracking of corrupt people is not always about keeping a vigil on the mode of transactions.
"We always catch the people not by the amount or how the money is paid (bitcoins in this case). Our clues are different. We keep a watch on them and their activities and telephonic calls," Hussain said.
"Some things happen underground also," he said, adding "Everything has to be on the basis of the solid information received from sources.
"So if someone has accepted money or been involved in graft in any form, once you start investigation, you are able to reach that," he said.

He, in fact, played down the prospect of cryptocurrency gaining ground in the world of cricket corruption.
"...well it's fine for the person in question to keep his money safely. It is like safe parking of money
where no one can see it. But does it come in the way of investigation of this case? Perhaps not."
"I still don't think it will become a trend and even those indulging in such activities will always leave
a trail," Hussain concluded

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/cricket-corruption-bitcoin-transaction-is-new-phenomenon-says-icc-integrity-head-marshall/articleshow/82085382.cms
 
Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who was given an eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption, on Thursday apologised and took "full responsibility" for his actions, but said he was never involved in any attempts to fix matches.

The 47-year-old was banned earlier this month after admitting five breaches of the ICC's anti-corruption code.

The charges included revealing inside information which could be used for betting purposes and failing to disclose a payment in bitcoin from a potential corrupter to anti-corruption officials.

The games in question included several international matches in 2018, as well as matches in Twenty20 leagues in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

"I apologise to my family, friends ... my fellow Zimbabweans who have ... shown me love and support during the numerous trials and tribulations we have faced," Streak said in a statement quoted by The Telegraph.

Streak admitted to receiving bitcoin and other gifts from an individual who approached him in 2017 under the pretext of setting up a Twenty20 competition in Zimbabwe.

"At the onset I was engaged, and paid Bitcoin, to assist in buying and building teams ... Much later on the only other thing I received was a bottle of whisky and my wife was gifted a phone," he said.

"Several months down the line the ICC brought to my attention the fact that the individual with whom I had been dealing, and some of the information that I had shared ... may have been used for online betting."

Streak said he was never involved in fixing and hoped his story would serve as a lesson for others.

"I want to place on record that I was not involved in any match fixing, spot fixing or attempts to influence a game or share information from a changeroom during a match," he said.

"I hope acknowledgement of my wrongdoing, wittingly or unwittingly, will set an example to current and future stakeholders."

Streak played 65 tests and 189 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe between 1993-2005. Post-retirement, he also served as Bangladesh coach and was the bowling coach of twice IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

Reuters
 
June 2015, and I’m in the headmaster’s study at Christchurch boys’ high school, listening to him tick off the famous New Zealand sportsmen who went there.

Dan Carter, Brodie Retallick, Andrew Mehrtens, Owen Franks, Aaron Mauger, Steve Hansen, Graham Henry. He was running out of fingers, and he hadn’t even started on the cricketers – Richard Hadlee, Chris Martin, Tom Latham, Corey Anderson. “And the other one, of course, one of the most famous,” he paused, “only, we don’t talk about him too much any more around here.” He paused again. Eventually his colleague cut in: “Chris Cairns.”

The way I remember it, there was a lot left unsaid in that long, awkward silence. Anger, scorn, even a little embarrassment. He was a proud man, running a proud school.

Cairns was never actually convicted of fixing. He was acquitted on charges of perjury and perverting the course of justice. But he was condemned by the testimony of his teammates Lou Vincent and Brendon McCullum. After such knowledge, what forgiveness? A lot of the men who have been caught find their way back into the game. Mohammad Amir is still playing, surly, sorry for himself. He has retired from international cricket. Mohammad Asif has been playing club matches in Norway and the United States. Salman Butt works as a pundit in Pakistan. Danish Kaneria is playing veteran’s Twenty20. Mohammad Ashraful is back playing first-class cricket.

Vincent himself is running a backyard club for local kids in Waikato, using his old kit. He still hopes that he can persuade the authorities to overturn his lifetime ban. What else do you do, when your betrayal means they take away the game you gave your life to? Cairns, though, has spent the years since living in Canberra: “I’m completely scorched, burnt completely.” He keeps a low profile, little asked about, less said, apart from the occasional interview about his new business filming sportspeople perform in front of virtual crowds on a green screen.

Two weeks ago, the International Cricket Council announced that Heath Streak had been banned from cricket for eight years. The former Zimbabwe Test captain had been caught working as a middleman for a fixer. There have been a lot of these cases in the past few weeks, as the ICC’s anti-corruption unit settles a spate of investigations from two years or so ago. On Wednesday, it announced that Nuwan Zoysa, who played 30 Tests for Sri Lanka, has been banned for six years.

Streak’s case felt the most shocking. Like Cairns, he was a heroic cricketer, an all-action all-rounder, still the only man to take 200 Test wickets for Zimbabwe, and the star turn in their great team of the late 1990s, a fast bowler with a bustling, open-chested action who took on England almost single-handed in 2000. His six for 87 at Lord’s won him a place on one of the banners hanging around the back of the stands because they were the best bowling figures by a Zimbabwean at the ground. He was also one of the few players from that generation who stuck with the team when things started to fall apart, first as captain, and then as coach.

“Heath was well respected and liked by lots of people in the game,” says Alex Marshall, who runs the anti-corruption unit. “He’s someone who’d stayed in the country when a lot of others left, and who stood up for cricket in Zimbabwe. I’ve met him several times, I’ve been to Bulawayo to interview him, and I’ve no doubt at all that he cares about cricket in Zimbabwe, he’s not a cynic who doesn’t care about cricket. He does.”

One of the ironies of the case is that the fixers used that care against him. When they first approached him, it was to ask for his help with a plan to set up a new T20 tournament in Zimbabwe. “There have been several similar proposals in Zimbabwe and other countries,” Marshall adds.

“You can see the lure of the offer, you’re sitting there in a cash-strapped ICC member, and someone comes along and says: ‘You’re going to make half a million dollars as a board and there’s going to be loads of cricket played in this great new televised tournament.’ They always say: ‘This will help develop and promote cricket in your country, it will give more youngsters a chance to get involved.’ So they sell it as being for the benefit for cricket, to help with growth and development. And, of course, they also say: ‘There’s going to be money on the table for you as well.’”

Streak liked money and needed it for the game reserve his family run outside Bulawayo. He’d had trouble getting what he was owed from Zimbabwe Cricket. In the end, the bookies gave him two bitcoins, which he converted into $35,000 and a new mobile phone. A hard-won reputation, sold cheap.

Marshall says: “The problem with his offence is that because people trusted him and liked him, that allowed him [the corruptor] to get access to other players, he helped these corruptors approach other players, he even gave him references, and that’s the bit that’s hardest for him, I think. The good news is we are now much clearer who these corruptors are, how many of them there are and how they work.”

The ACU is bringing in new regulations to help fight them, too. “We had one yesterday, a very serious corruptor, who basically told us: ‘I’m going to try and do my job, you’re going trying to do your job, so try and catch me if you can.’ OK, we will.”

The game goes on. But not for Streak. After all these years, like Cairns, he will find the long silence has settled over him and his career. – The Guardian

https://www.chronicle.co.zw/long-si...ath-streak-and-crickets-condemned-corruptors/
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FaultAndResponsibility?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FaultAndResponsibility</a> <a href="https://t.co/f5iPcPCKn1">pic.twitter.com/f5iPcPCKn1</a></p>— Heath Streak (@HeathStreak3) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeathStreak3/status/1387773135471140870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Something doesn't quite add up between the veracity of that statement by Streak and the extent of the ban meted out by the ICC. If Streak's version of events are accurate, then an eight-year ban seems a bit stringent. I doubt this to be the case, therefore.
 
There are reports that Heath Streak is critically ill and that the situation looks very grim.

Thoughts and prayers with Heath. A Zimbabwean great.
 
sam_ahm said:
There are reports that Heath Streak is critically ill and that the situation looks very grim.

Thoughts and prayers with Heath. A Zimbabwean great.
Click to expand...

Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Heath Streak is reportedly in a critical condition, according to media reports from the country.

David Coltart, Zimbabwe’s former minister of education, sport and culture, shared the news on Twitter and asked for his countrymen to pray for Streak’s recovery.

“This is a call to prayer warriors in Zimbabwe and beyond. Heath Streak, one of the greatest cricketers our nation has ever produced, is extremely ill and needs our prayers. Please could we all be in prayer for him and his family,” he posted.

Streak, who began his international career in 1993, played in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs with his last game coming in 2005. He also captained his side in 21 Tests and 68 ODIs.

In 2021, Streak was given an eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for corruption, and the 49-year-old apologised and took “full responsibility” for his actions, but said he was never involved in any attempts to fix matches.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...k-critical-condition-news/article66846158.ece
 
Heath Streak battling cancer, but ‘in good spirits’, family confirms

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak is battling cancer and is undergoing treatment under one of the most respected oncologists in South Africa, his family revealed in a statement on Saturday.

“Heath remains in good spirits and will continue to fight this disease in the similar vein with which he faced his opponents during his playing days on the cricket field. The family hopes that you understand and respect their wish for this to remain a private family matter, and they wish to thank you for your prayers and good wishes,” read a statement released by the family.

It went on to add that there will be no further official statements regarding Streak’s health at this time and that “any news that becomes public should be regarded as rumour”. The statement came after media reports earlier in the day had suggested that he was critically ill and reportedly on his deathbed.

Initially, a health update on Streak was given by the former Minister for Education, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, through his Twitter account. Meanwhile, sports journalist Mike Madoda had tweeted that the renowned cricketer is currently in need of a miracle to be saved.

“Heath Streak is on his last legs. Family en route to South Africa from the UK.. Seems only a miracle will save him now. Prayers up,” Madoda tweeted.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heath Streak is on his last legs. Family en route to South Africa from the UK.. <br><br>Seems only a miracle will save him now. <br><br>Prayers up 🙏🏾 <a href="https://t.co/YtZpcR2BSR">pic.twitter.com/YtZpcR2BSR</a></p>— Mike Madoda (@mikemadoda) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikemadoda/status/1657290317232521216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On November 10, 1993, against South Africa, the 49-year-old made his debut for his country. Following that, Heath played in 189 ODIs and 65 Tests for Zimbabwe.

Streak recorded 1990 runs at an average of 22.35 while also claiming 216 wickets at an average of 28.14 in the game’s longest format. In white-ball cricket, Heath amassed 2,943 runs and has 239 wickets to his credit.

However, Streak was expelled from the sport in 2021 after it was discovered that he had violated the anti-corruption guidelines of the International Cricket Council.
Click to expand...

Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/heath-streak-critically-ill-reports-8607815/
 
Rest in peace Streaky. One of the finest players to have played the game, part of Zimbabwe's golden generation of players.

May Almighty give strength to his family to overcome this loss. Very very sad news to wake up to.
 
Legendary Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak died on Tuesday after fighting a prolonged battle with cancer at the age of 49. He was undergoing treatment in South Africa after being diagnosed with what friends and close ones described as colon and liver cancer
 
I'd dare say that apart from Bumrah, Kapil, and maybe Shami, he was better than any other Indian fast bowler.
 
I really liked him as a kid, so this is tough for me to take. May he rest in peace!
 
From a news report:

The news about legendary Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak's death was widely circulated even by the news agencies on Tuesday stating "after fighting a prolonged battle with cancer at the age of 49, he has passed away".

Streak said:

"It is a total rumour and lie. I'm alive and well",

"I am very upset to learn that something as big as someone apparently passing can be spread unverified especially in our day and age of social media".

"I believe the source should apologize. I am hurt by the news".
 
Man, I even read it on a website News18, this is bloody disgusting that people post such fake stuff about someone's life.

Nonetheless delighted that Streaky is alive, and I pray to the Almighty that he fights through this and comes out with good health.

Good job PakPassion on clarifying about this.
 
If his colon cancer has already spread to his liver then the prognosis isn't very good sadly. Sending good wishes.
 
The cricketing world was left in shock after Olonga announced on Wednesday the 49-year-old had died of cancer, before performing a spectacular U-turn as he confirmed Streak was in fact very much alive.

Olonga said he first read of Streak's death on a Zimbabwean sporting forum on Facebook, before he tried to contact the former Test cricket star and his family.

He reportedly received no reply and was then told by a former teammate Streak had died. When a tribute from one of Streak's friends appeared online, Olonga felt he had no reason to doubt the veracity of the news.

Speaking to ABC Radio Adelaide on Thursday, Olonga said reading the tributes conjured memories of the reaction to the passing of Rod Marsh, Shane Warne and Andrew Symonds last year.

'I thought, "It's obviously official now, getting confirmation from three sources", so I then put up my own tribute, a few photos […] and reminisced over some of our great moments on the team.

'I did try to do my due diligence – I'm not a journalist, but I did do some fact-checking.'

Olonga, who lives in Australia after being forced into exile for protesting against Robert Mugabe's government, wrote on social media: 'Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side,' he wrote on X - the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

'RIP [Zimbabwe cricket] 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.'

Soon afterward, however, Olonga swiftly changed his tune.

Daily Mail
 
RIP Heath. Had very rough last 2 years of life and that doesn't count his illness.
 
What a fantastic cricketer he was.

With bat and ball he was a fearsome opponent.
 
Very sad news, one of the select few genuinely world class players Zimbabwe have produced
 
Greatest fast bowler & overall the second greatest cricketer of Zimbabwean history. Was a great leader also. Had a tendency to perform better against SC teams compared to SENA teams. Had the caliber to finish with 300+ wickets in both formats.
 
RIP Streaky. His dismissal of Tendulkar in 96 WC by cleaning him up with uprooting 2 stumps will forever live in my memory.
 
RIP, Streak. One of few Zimbabwean cricketer of '90s who was world class.
 
He loved playing against Pakistan having taken the highest number of his test wickets against us.

RIP Streaky.
 
Steak's wife confirmed the news in an emotional post on social media.

‘In the early hours of this morning, Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, the greatest love of my life and father of my beautiful children, was carried to be with the angels from his home, where he wished to spend his last days surrounded by his family and closest loved ones,' she wrote on Facebook.

‘He was covered in love and peace and did not walk off the park alone.

‘Our souls are joined for eternity, Streaky. Till I hold you again.’

Streak was reported to be battling cancer earlier in the year and had been receiving specialist treatment at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
 
RIP Legend.. A well rounded cricketer who excelled as a bowler and made valuable contributions with the bat.
 
Heisenberg111 said:
RIP to the legend. He should be included in the ICC Hall of Fame.
Click to expand...
Not after he was convicted of fixing:

His last two years were overshadowed by controversy after he admitted to five breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, earning him an eight-year ban.

While he denied fixing matches, he did accept payment in bitcoin from a ‘potential corruptor’ known to the ICC as ‘Mr X’ – the payment was eventually converted into $35,000 – and disclosed inside information, including from international matches.
 
Saj said:
Not after he was convicted of fixing:

His last two years were overshadowed by controversy after he admitted to five breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, earning him an eight-year ban.

While he denied fixing matches, he did accept payment in bitcoin from a ‘potential corruptor’ known to the ICC as ‘Mr X’ – the payment was eventually converted into $35,000 – and disclosed inside information, including from international matches.
Click to expand...

He had a clean career for the most part. I wonder if his illness and cancer was diagnosed earlier and whether the costs of the treatments forced him into making some desperate choices.
 
Very sad to hear - he was too young to go.

One of the stars in the Zimbabwean team during his international days.
 
Really saddend listening to this news. He was one of the greatest cricketers Zimbabwe have ever produced.
 
RIP! I’d dare say he was better than all Indian fast bowlers bar Kapil, Bumrah and maybe, Shami.

The cricket world has lost a beloved ex cricketer.
 
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