In a heartwarming display of solidarity, cricketers from around the world stood together when a false death announcement about legendary Zimbabwean cricketer Heath Streak circulated on the internet. The misinformation had initially been shared by his former teammate Henry Olonga, who later clarified that Streak was very much alive.
The initial tweet by Olonga had read, “Sad news coming through that Heath Streak has crossed to the other side. RIP @ZimCricketv legend. The greatest all-rounder we produced. It was a pleasure playing with you. See you on the other side when my bowling spell comes to an endโฆ”
However, this news turned out to be a hoax, as Henry Olonga shared a screenshot of his WhatsApp conversation with Streak, who confirmed his well-being and requested Olonga to correct the misinformation.
“I can confirm that rumors of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive folks,” Olonga clarified.
I can confirm that rumours of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. The third umpire has called him back. He is very much alive folks. pic.twitter.com/LQs6bcjWSB
— Henry Olonga (@henryolonga) August 23, 2023
The cricketing fraternity, including notable names like R Ashwin, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Anil Kumble, had initially expressed condolences and shared their grief online. Later, they promptly took down their posts upon realizing the inaccuracy of the news.
Ravichandran Ashwin, in particular, took to his social media on Thursday to apologize for the mistaken tweet. He expressed his utter disbelief and sadness upon seeing Henry Olonga’s post, but later deleted his tweet upon learning the truth. In his heartfelt note to Heath Streak, Ashwin wrote:
“I saw Henry Olonga’s tweet and mourned it too. It came from a place of utter disbelief and sadness. Deleted that tweet but glad to know that you are doing fine. @HeathStreak3 Take care and apologies for the inaccurate tweet from my side.”
This episode highlights the power of social media in disseminating information and the importance of verifying news before sharing. The cricketing community’s quick response to clarify the situation reflects the camaraderie and respect that exists among players, transcending boundaries and nationalities.
Check out the Tweet:
I saw Henry Olongaโs tweet and mourned it too. It came from a place of utter disbelief and sadness.
Deleted that tweet but glad to know that you are doing fine. @HeathStreak3 Take care and apologies for the inaccurate tweet from my side. https://t.co/CMKxqVyhYt
— Ashwin ๐ฎ๐ณ (@ashwinravi99) August 24, 2023
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