Picture Credit: ICC
Legendary Zimbabwe cricketer Heath Streak has been banned for eight years after breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The former international skipper has been under probe for his career spanning between 2017 and 2018, where he performed the duties of a coach for the Zimbabwe national cricket team and for some domestic units as well.
Streak, who had retired from international cricket in 2005, has accepted five charges of breaching the Code. He is believed to be a channel between the corruptor and the players whom he coached. The games that are suspected to have his involvement and carrying out the illegal activities include international matches and even some games from IPL, BPL and Afghanistan Premier League.
Heath Streak held a position of trust: ICC General Manager
Streak had played 189 ODIs and 65 T20Is before calling it quits at the highest level. Given that had a lot of experience as an international cricketer and he also had been the national team coach and had participated in numerous anti-corruption education sessions, ICC General Manager Alex Marshall pointed out that the veteran was fully aware of his responsibilities under the Code.
“As a former captain and coach, he held a position of trust and owed a duty to uphold the integrity of the game. He breached the Code on several occasions, including facilitating the approach of four other players. At times, he also sought to obstruct and delay our investigation," said Marshall.
“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. He has also expressed his remorse and contrition and entered this agreed sanction decision to avoid the need for a full disciplinary process. The sanction reflects this cooperation,” he added.