Olonga claims Heath Streak ‘very much alive’

Just hours after confirming the news of Zimbabwe pacer Heath Streak's death, Streak's former national teammate Henry Olonga claimed the news to be false and "exaggerated". 

"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 in his message on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with a screenshot of a conversation presumably between Streak and Olonga. 

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. pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB; Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 23, 2023

However, Olonga was the one to confirm the demise of his former teammate in the first place. 

"Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP Zimbabwe cricket legend. The greatest all-rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you," read Olonga's message on X, referring to which many media houses around the globe ran the news of Streak's 'demise'. The post is no longer available on Olonga's profile on X.    

Streak, 49, has been undergoing treatment for cancer.