…ICC bans ex-captain for 8 years
…As Zim launches probe
The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has requested the National Prosecuting Authority to probe former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak (pictured) after he was banned from all cricket activities for eight years for corruption offences.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) found that Streak, 47, engaged with an Indian man known as Mr X during his time coaching Zimbabwe and in Twenty20 leagues across Asia.
Streak passed on information on matches and contacts details of players, including one national team captain.
In return, he received two Bitcoins and an iPhone for his wife.
SRC chairman Gerald Mlotshwa said the local sports regulatory body fully supported and endorsed the banning of Streak and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Art Recreation has asked NPA to investigate if the former cricketer has violated Zimbabwean laws.
“The Ministry has requested the National Prosecuting Authority to ascertain whether any of the criminal laws in Zimbabwe, particularly those relating to corruption, have been breached by Heath Streak in order that appropriate action is taken locally by the NPA,” Mlotshwa said in a statement.
He said the Sports Integrity Bill was under consideration with the Attorney General’s office after Cabinet approved the principles last year. Once enacted into law, it will provide for clearly defined criminal offences as relating to sports in Zimbabwe.
“It remains the Ministry and SRC’s position that there is zero tolerance for corruption and bad governance in our sport and all such instances of corruption are hereby condemned in the strongest possible terms,” Mlotshwa said.
Streak, a former pace bowler, is Zimbabwe’s all-time leading wicket-taker and once took 6- 87 in a Test against England to earn a place on the Lord’s honours board.
He also had spells in county cricket with Warwickshire and Hampshire.
The ICC found that he disclosed information likely to be used for betting on matches in the 2018 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the 2018 Indian Premier League and 2018 Afghanistan Premier League.
He also facilitated introductions to four players, failed to disclose the gifts and payments he received, and the approaches to engage in corrupt activity.
The ICC also said Streak attempted to disrupt its investigation by colluding with Mr X – who had also been interviewed – and deleting phone messages.
Heath Streak is an experienced former international cricketer and national team coach, who had participated in numerous anti-corruption education sessions and was fully aware of his responsibilities under the Code,” said Alex Marshall, the general manager of the ICC’s integrity unit.
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.
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.—SPORTS REPORTER/
BBC
