FORMER Zimbabwe cricket star Heath Streak has died at the age of 49 after a battle with colon and liver cancer, his family have confirmed.
Heath’s wife Nadine shared the tragic news on social media, saying their souls would be “joined for eternity.”
APThe cricket legend was surrounded by family[/caption]
AFPHis career flourished between 1993 and 2005[/caption]
His passing comes days after false reports claimed the former Zimbabwe captain had passed – which he reportedly said had left him “very hurt”.
He had been receiving treatment for stage-four colon and liver cancer in South Africa.
Grieving Nadine said on Facebook: “In the early hours of this morning, Sunday the 3rd of September 2023, the greatest love of my life and the 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.”
Zimbabwe’s Cricket Team posted: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and fans of former Captain Heath Streak.
“His contributions to cricket will always be remembered, and he will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.”
Streak stepped back from the spotlight in recent years after his retirement in 2005 following an illustrious cricketing career.
The ex-fast bowler was regarded as one of his country’s best sportsmen.
He captained his team between 2000 and 2004, playing 65 Tests and 189 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe.
Streak had 4,933 international runs and 445 wickets under his belt.
Last month, he was the victim of a death hoax after many erroneously posted he had passed.
The cricket legend said he was “very upset and hurt” by the rumours of his sudden passing that swept the internet.
His former teammate Henry Olonga mistakenly shared condolences online, forcing the cricket legend to address the false claims.
Streak’s legacy was somewhat tarnished in 2021 after he was banned from cricket for eight years after admitting to various breaches of the ICC’s anti-corruption code.
He accepted five charges in relation to his coaching career that he embarked on following his retirement.
Streak accepted the ban, which expired in 2029, but denied the allegations of match-fixing.
AP:Associated PressHis lengthy career made him a legend in Zimbabwe[/caption]