Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak 'very much alive', says ex-teammate amid death rumours

Heath Streak, legendary Zimbabwe cricketer, is very much alive, his former teammate Henry Olonga announced on X (previously known as Twitter) even as news of the 49-year-old's demise started doing the rounds.

"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 said, sharing a screenshot of his purported conversation with Streak.

It was earlier reported that he had succumbed to his battle with cancer. Streak was undergoing treatment in South Africa for colon and liver cancer as per his friends and close relatives.

Notably, there had been no official confirmation of the demise from the family but Olonga took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the news of the cricketer's demise. Current Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams had also expressed his grief.

"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 had said.

Williams had added "Streaky. No words can explain what you and your family have done for mine and many others Our hearts our broken you leave behind a beautiful family and a legacy for us to live up to! You will b missed we love you dearly Rest in peace Streaky".

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's all-rounder, had also expressed sadness saying "Heath Streak is no more. Sad!! Really sad".

Streak, the former Zimbabwe captain, represented his country in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs. He remains their all-time highest wicket taker in both formats of the game.