Zimbabwe legend Heath Streak dismissed the rumours of his death, saying he was alive and well but ‘hurt’ by the false news spread on the social media.

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 rumour 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.

“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 wrote in his tweet, hours after he himself announced that the Zimbabwe legend was dead.

The news of Streak’s presumed death had circulated quickly, generating concern among both fans and fellow cricketers. Nonetheless, Olonga’s report has dispelled the shroud of doubt over Streak’s well-being.

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.

Source: India Today