Zimbabwe legend Heath Streak has said he’s alive and well but ‘hurt’ by the false news about his death on the social media.
Earlier on Wednesday, news emerged about the death of legendary Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak, however, British news agency Reuters retracted the news, saying “the Aug. 23 story headlined “Cricket-Former Zimbabwe captain Streak dies aged 49” is wrong and is withdrawn. The source for the story has retracted his statement.”
It should be noted that former Zimbabwe pacer Henry Olonga had communicated the news of Streak’s death, but he has since retracted his story and confirmed that the 49-year-old is still alive.
“It is a total rumor and a 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,” Streak was quoted as saying by Mid-Day.
Calling it a baseless rumor and falsehood, Streak expressed his frustration at the ease with which unverified information, especially related to someone’s passing, can circulate on social media. He emphasized the need for accountability and urged the source of the news to issue an apology. Streak admitted feeling hurt by the ordeal.
“I believe the source should apologise. I am hurt by the news,” he added.
Streak was one of Zimbabwe’s most well-known players, having appeared in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs, scoring 4933 runs and taking 455 wickets across all formats.
Streak is the first Zimbabwean player to score 1000 runs and take 100 wickets in Tests, as well as 2000 runs and 2000 wickets in One-Day Internationals. Streak’s family had previously said that the great cricketer was ill and being treated.
