FULL TEXT: Ex-Zim Cricket Captain Heath Streak Issues Apology

Former Zimbabwe Cricket captain, Heath Streak, has issued an apology following an 8-year ban from all cricket for breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. We present Streak’s statement in full below.

It is with a heavy heart and anguish that I come before all of you mindful and aware that I have let a lot of people down through my actions and omissions. Whatever my intentions were. I understand that when one agrees to be bound by a set of rules there can be no excuse for not following them and as I engaged the ICC. over the past two (2) years, during this very difficult process. I realised the marked difference between fault and responsibility.

I apologise sincerely to my family, friends, the cricket-loving public and most of all my fellow Zimbabweans who have, over the years. shown me love and support during the numerous trials and tribulations we have faced. In 2017.1 met an individual keen to invest in cricket in Africa and in particular, they wanted to sponsor a 720 Tournament in Zimbabwe which would be called the Safari Blast. The individual was subsequently vetted and cleared through the usual protocols and to be honest, I let my guard down as the friendship and potential business partnership blossomed. The nature of our relationship was fraternal and cordial at all times. I genuinely believed it was a safe space. I also hoped the relationship would be beneficial not only to myself and to the Academy but to Zimbabwean cricket and I pursued its growth with vigour.

At the onset I was engaged, and paid the Bitcoin, to assist in buying and building teams in different regional T20 competitions. which was successful, resulting in the purchase of a team in Dubai for this individual. Much later on in our friendship, the only other thing I received was a bottle of whisky and my wife was gifted a phone. Several months down the line the ICC then brought to my attention the fact that the individual with whom I had been dealing, and some of the information that I had shared during our friendship/interaction may have been used for online betting.

The ICC carried out a detailed and thorough investigation of our relationship over a two (2) year period. I submitted myself to the process and co-operated at every turn. At the end of the enquiry, it became evident that through my excitement and desire to bring the T20 Tournament to Zimbabwe and build a relationship with the individual, I had unwittingly flouted some of the elements of the ICC ethics code.
In hindsight, I should have been more cautious especially given my position and all the information and opinions to which I am privy. however insignificant they appeared to me at the time. As a team owner, I also introduced people to the individual in the belief that I was adding value to their careers and creating opportunities. I understand fully that it may not have been my fault but was. and it is, my responsibility to uphold the ICC code.

Buy Samsung, itel, Redmi smartphones in Zimbabwe

WhatsApp: +263715068543

I, therefore, take full responsibility for my actions. I hope that my sanction may serve as a cautionary tale for all people involved in this amazing game we love, at every level, and will help them understand that they are duty-bound to a higher standard of confidentiality and restraint. I also want to place on record to the public and fans that I was not involved in any match-fixing, spot-fixing or attempts to influence a game or share information from a changing room during a match at any given time in our relationship. This position has been confirmed by the ICC itself in its own statement.

I accepted the sanction by the ICC after extensive soul searching and having a better understanding of accountability. I hope my admissions and acknowledgment of my wrong-doing, wittingly or unwittingly, will set an example to current and future stakeholders in our beloved sport of cricket and I will continue to help the ICC as and when I am needed so that the next generation of players and administrators can see the potential dangers and pitfalls as well as understand the serious ramifications of their actions. I have agreed to help the ICC in their investigations and anticorruption education program as well.

I take this opportunity to once again sincerely apologise to my supportive family, friends and all cricket fans who have been affected by my poor judgment and lack of discretion. I respectfully request that any pain or angst felt be directed at me and that my family and friends are not vilified for my actions. I also hope that cricket in Zimbabwe should not be punished or suffer for my actions directly or indirectly. I commit to serving out my sanction as guided by the ICC and am committed to help them and cricket in Zimbabwe in whatever manner I can I look forward to continuing to contribute to the development of cricket in Zimbabwe, making amends and returning to the game as and when the ICC sees it fit.

Thank you.

Heath H. Streak.