Former Zimbabwe cricket captain Heath Streak battling with cancer, undergoing treatment

Heath Streak served as the bowling coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL as well.

Heath Streak, a former Zimbabwean all-rounder, has been identified as having stage-four colon and liver cancer. With 216 Test wickets and 239 ODI wickets combined, the 49-year-old is Zimbabwe's all-time highest wicket-taker in international cricket.

Streak, who is now 49, had a significant role in Zimbabwe's success in international cricket during the latter half of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s. Between 1993 and 2005, he played for Zimbabwe in 65 Tests and 189 One-Day Internationals, amassing totals of 1990 runs and 216 wickets in Tests and 2943 runs and 239 wickets in ODIs.

After a disagreement with the board, he left his position as Zimbabwe's captain in 2004. He retired from international cricket at the age of 31 in 2005. The only Zimbabwean bowler with more than 100 Test and over 200 ODI wickets is still Streak. In the 2000s, he led Zimbabwe as captain.

Heath Streak has cancer and is undergoing treatment, but remains in good spirits: His family releases a statement

Heath Streak’s family stated the health status of the Zimbabwean legend as they stated that he is undergoing treatment in South Africa and said that he remains in good spirits to fight against the disease similar to fighting spirits in the cricket field against formidable opponents.

“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 family said.

The family requested that people respect their privacy and thanked cricket fans for their well-wishes and prayers for Heath Streak's recovery. They also stated that they would not be making any additional statements at this time regarding his health.

“The family hopes that you understand and respect their wish for this to remain a private family matter, and thank you for your prayers and good wishes. There will be no further official statements regarding his health at this time. Any news that becomes public should be regarded as rumor,” the statement read.

After his career as a player ended, Streak took up coaching roles with various teams. He served as bowling coach of Bangladesh, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Somerset, in addition to having multiple stints in Zimbabwe cricket.