Heath Streak banned for eight years for breaching ICC anti-corruption code

The former Zimbabwe captain, who made over 250 appearances for his country, accepted five charges relating to various coaching positions and can only resume cricket activities in March 2029

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has been banned from cricket for eight years for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code.

The 47-year old accepted five charges relating to his time as coach of the Zimbabwe national team between 2016-2018 and while on the staff of various domestic teams, including Kolkata Knight Riders (bowling coach, 2018) and Kabul Swanan (bowling coach, 2018).

He was charged with the following offences:

Article 2.3.2 – disclosing inside information under both the ICC Code and various domestic codes, in circumstances where he knew or should have known that such information may be used for betting purposes.  In particular, he disclosed inside information in relation to matches in the 2018 Tri-Series involving Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Zimbabwe v Afghanistan series in 2018, the IPL 2018 and the APL 2018.

Article 2.3.3 – directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any participant to breach the code. In particular, he facilitated or attempted to facilitate the introduction of four different players, including a national captain, to someone he knew, or should have known, may have wanted to approach them to provide inside information for betting purposes. 

^{Streak (batting) during his international playing career for Zimbabwe}

Article 2.4.2 – Failing to disclose the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that the participant knew or should have known was given to them to procure a breach of the code or that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the code including in relation to international matches, matches in the 2017 BPL, the 2018 Pakistan Super League, the 2018 IPL and the 2018 APL.

Article 2.4.7 – obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and / or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Streak, who made 254 appearances for Zimbabwe between 1993 and 2005, is free to resume his involvement in cricketing activities on March 28, 2029.

In a statement, Alex Marshall, general manager of ICC integrity unit, said: "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.

"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."

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