Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwe captain and cricket coach, is seriously ill and is on his deathbed. Calls have been issued from Zimbabwe cricket and the sporting community to pray for his health, reports cricbuzz.

Streak (49), who played 65 Tests and 189 ODIs, is believed to be convalescing in a hospital in Johannesburg and his family reportedly is rushing there from London.

Country's Sports Minister took to Twitter and wrote: "Heath Streak is on his last legs. Family en route to South Africa from the UK.. Seems only a miracle will save him now. Prayers up (sic)."

David Coltart, a former Zimbabwean Minister of Education, Sport, Arts & Culture, and a human rights lawyer, wrote: "This is a call to prayer warriors in #Zimbabwe and beyond. Heath Streak, one of the greatest cricketers our nation has ever produced, is extremely ill and needs our prayers. Please could we all be in prayer for him and his family (sic)."

Sean Williams, a current Zimbabwe cricketer and a close friend, threw light on his health. "Heath has colon and liver cancer (Stage 4). All I know at this stage is Heath's immediate family was called to go to him in South Africa and I am not sure on any details thereof. I did message Heath and he did respond but I'm sure at this stage the family will want privacy. It sounds like the cancer is spreading pretty quick cause last week he was fishing," Williams told Cricbuzz on Saturday night. "Heath is my mentor and did a lot of good things for a lot of people and basically saved my life and career. We just pray he will be ok."

Streak was first to reach 100 wickets among Zimbabwean cricketers. However, after retirement, he ran into trouble with anti-corruption authorities and was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for eight years in 2021.

The family sought privacy through a statement. "Heath has cancer and is undergoing treatment under one of the most respected Oncologists in South Africa. He remains in good spirits and will continue to fight this disease in a similar vein to that which his opponents faced during his revered days on the cricket field.

"The family hopes that you understand and respect their wish for this to remain a private family matter, and thank you for your prayers and good wishes.

"There will be no further official statements regarding his health at this time. Any news that becomes public should be regarded as rumour," Joseph Rego, Streak's friend, and president & board chairman, Academy Of Cricket Excellence and a spokesperson on behalf of Heath Streak's health on behalf of his family, said.

Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque