Former Zimbabwean cricketer and all-rounder Heath Streak has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon and liver cancer, according to reports. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing world, with fans and fellow players alike praying for the speedy recovery of one of Zimbabwe’s best cricketers. The 49-year-old veteran is said to be in a critical condition at a hospital in Johannesburg, with his family flying in from London on priority.
Streak’s illness was confirmed by Zimbabwean all-rounder Sean Williams, who said that he received a response from Streak in an interview with Cricbuzz. Williams revealed that the former cricketer went fishing last week, and that the cancer is spreading rapidly. “Heath is my mentor and did a lot of good things for a lot of people and basically saved my life and career. We just pray he will be ok,” Williams said.
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The Streak family issued a statement after the news of his diagnosis was made public. “Heath has cancer and is undergoing treatment under one of the most respected Oncologists in South Africa. He remains in good spirits and will continue to fight this disease in a similar vein to that which his opponents faced during his revered days on the cricket field,” the statement said.
Streak is widely recognized as one of Zimbabwe’s top cricketers. From 1993 to 2005, he appeared in 65 Tests and 189 One-Day Internationals. The news of his illness has led to an outpouring of support from fans and fellow players, with many taking to social media to offer their prayers and well-wishes. “Heath Streak is a fighter, and we are all praying for him to pull through this tough time. Our thoughts are with him and his family,” said a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Cricket Board.