Heath Streak. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Zimbabwe legend Heath Streak passed away at the age of 49 after battling cancer for the last few months. His wife confirmed the news on Facebook and since then, a lot of cricketers have paid their tribute to the former cricketer. Notably, false rumours regarding his death were circulating on the internet recently, but his family clarified the doubt. However, soon after that, Streak passed away, leaving a huge void in the cricketing world.
The all-rounder has represented the national team in 65 Test matches and scored 1990 runs. The former cricketer also has 216 wickets to his name in the longest format of the game. When it comes to ODIs, Streak played 189 matches. He has hit 2943 runs and picked up 239 wickets.
Meanwhile, Nadine Streak wrote a heartful message regarding Streak after his unfortunate death and mentioned that the cricketer passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“In the early hours of this morning, Sunday, September 3rd, 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. 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,” Nadine Streak wrote on Facebook.
Denis Streak, former cricketer and father of Heath, meanwhile mentioned that the 49-year-old had been battling cancer for the past six months and passed away at 1 am in the morning.
“Heath had not been well for a while, for almost six months he was battling cancer. He died in the early hours at 1 AM,” Denis Streak was quoted as saying by Sunday News.
Here’s how Cricket Fraternity reacted to the news:
A legend, an icon, a mentor, a friend. Memories treasured forever. Go well shum. RIP 💔 pic.twitter.com/H9dX1YwYy6
— Sean Ervine (@Sean_Ervine) September 3, 2023
Saddened to hear demise of former Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 pacer Heath Streak #RIP. Legend of the game 🏏 & humble human being. Condolences to his family & friends pic.twitter.com/73Ft9RhmAA
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 3, 2023
Sad to hear about lovely friend Heath Streak’s untimely death at just 49 years of age. I played a lot of cricket against him and liked his fierce competitive nature. On one trip we stayed at his farm house and he was a generous host … a thorough gentleman he was, and will be…
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) September 3, 2023
Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of #HeathStreak. We shared some great times on and off the field. Love and prayers are with Streaky’s family.
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) September 3, 2023
Really sad news of the passing away of Zimbabwe’s legendary cricketer #HeathStreak. Having fought my own battle with cancer, I know the strength it takes.
He was one of the nicest guys I encountered along my journey and an even stronger human being.
My prayers for the… pic.twitter.com/d637dVcSWA
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) September 3, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to Heath Streak’s family, friends and fans. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, Streaky 🙏🏾
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) September 3, 2023
RIP heath streak .What a terrific bowler he was .Led Zimbabwe with grace .What a team @ZimCricketv was back in the days .Flower brothers/Alistair Campbell /Neil Johnson/Murray Goodwin & many more . Zim was a strong unit back then & Heath streak was instrumental for their success…
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) September 3, 2023
Deeply saddened to hear the news about Heath Streak. He fought a brave battle against cancer. He will always be remembered as the beacon of Zimbabwe Cricket. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, Streaky. Heartfelt condolences to his family and fans.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) September 3, 2023
#RIPHeathStreak. So incredibly sad and heartbreaking. Too young to leave! Rest easy buddy!
Thoughts at this very sad time with the Streak family! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/8Ehq1Kcvbe
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 3, 2023
Deeply saddened by the passing over of #HeathStreak ..yes early as 49 is all he was..what a Cricketer is what everyone will say & yes he was that too but as someone who knows him& has played against him for me What a Person he was is irreplaceable..Om Shanti,Rest in peace Heath
— Kartik Murali (@kartikmurali) September 3, 2023
Sadden to hear about the demise of Heath Streak. He was a high quality cricketer from Zimbabwe. My deep condolences to his family.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 3, 2023
I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of #HeathStreak. A cricket legend and true gentleman. My condolences and prayers go out to his loved ones during this challenging period🙏 pic.twitter.com/rUblOs0e5F
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 3, 2023
Heath Streak was not only a great cricketer but a fabulous gentleman also. With his demise and that too at such a young age, cricket world has lost a gem. My deepest condolences to his family and fans. May his pious soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/0T8ILFKuGi
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 3, 2023
Sad to hear the passing away of #HeathStreak. He was a prominent figure in the rise of Zimbabwe cricket in the late 90’s and early 2000’s and very competetive.
Heartfelt Condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/52WUCZ259O
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 3, 2023