Just hours after Zimbabwe pacer Heath Streak's death demise news, Streak's old national teammate Henry Olonga said the story was false and "exaggerated."
The cricket world collectively mourned the loss of Streak earlier on Wednesday, but a post on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, proved he was still with us.
“I can confirm that rumours of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated,” former cricketer Henry Olonga wrote.
I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive folks.”
Streak himself confirmed that the news was false and said he was upset after hearing the rumour and sought apologies.
"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".
"I believe the source should apologise. I am hurt by the news,” Streak said in a Whatsapp message to a local news daily.
Olonga was the one who first broke the news of Streak’s passing.
"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.
Reports were rife he had lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, according to several former teammates and media outlets.
