The former Zimbabwe captain and coach Heath Streak has been banned for eight years. Reportedly Streak has breached International Cricket Council’s (ICC) multiple anti-corruption codes. Heath Streak accepted the charges and he can resume his international career on 28th March 2029.
Meanwhile, in a shocking revelation, one of the charges also involved that he gave out information to ‘Mr. X’ during IPL games in 2018 when he was coaching Kolkata Knight Riders and helped that person to contact players. The former Zimbabwe coach received gifts in return.
“The Indian bookie, identified merely as Mr X, made corrupt approaches to Streak during the entire time and even gifted him two bitcoins (valued at USD 35,000 each) and an I phone, which he failed to report,” the report said.
“The bookie sought inside information and also wanted to be introduced to participants to enable more access to information including in relation to international matches, matches in the 2017 BPL, the 2018 Pakistan Super League, the 2018 IPL, and the 2018 APL,” the ICC report added.
“The offences did not affect the outcomes of any relevant matches and Mr Streak has agreed to assist the ICC anti-corruption education programme for which we are grateful,” ICC General Manager of the Integrity Unit Alex Marshall said.
Heath Streak to resume cricketing activities from March 29, 2029
Heath Streak, 47, made his debut for Zimbabwe in 1993. In 65 Tests he has 216 wickets and in 189 ODIs he has picked up 239 wickets. He announced his retirement from international cricket in 2005. The former cricketer will be able to resume cricketing activities from March 29 in 2029 when his ban ends.
In 2009, he was appointed as the bowling coach for Zimbabwe. He coached Bangladesh between 2014-2016. In October 2016, Zimbabwe appointed him as their head coach. He has also coached Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2018.
“Under the provisions of the code, Streak chose to admit the charges and agreed to the sanction with the ICC in lieu of an anti-corruption tribunal hearing. He will be free to resume his involvement in the game on March 28, 2029,” the ICC statement concluded.
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