'Yamraj ji overruled': Sehwag and cricket fans react to fake news of Heath Streak's death

Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwean cricketer, is confirmed to be alive despite initial reports suggesting otherwise. Initially, leading Zimbabwean news websites and even the captain of the Zimbabwe cricket team, Sean Williams, fell victim to the false news and shared news of Streak's supposed demise. This prompted reactions from fellow cricketers, including prominent figures like Ravichandran Ashwin, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Anil Kumble.

3 things you need to know

• Heath Streak captained Zimbabwe and played in 65 Tests and 189 ODIs
• He remains Zimbabwe's highest wicket-taker in both Test matches and ODIs
• The rumour of Streak's demise captured the attention of people on social media

Also Read: Amid Tributes From Teammates Following His 'demise', Olonga Confirms Heath Streak Is Alive

Heath Streak death rumor sparks Mamefest

The false news of Streak's passing was inadvertently spread by his former teammate, Henry Olonga, who later corrected the information. Olonga shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation that he had with Streak after the rumour of his demise spread on social media. The chat clearly indicated that Streak is indeed alive and requested Olonga to retract his earlier post.

"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," Olonga wrote on X.

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 incident has sparked a meme fest across various social media platforms, with users sharing humorous and satirical content in response to the false news of Streak's passing. Memes, witty comments, and playful takes have flooded the internet, reflecting the resilience of online communities in turning even serious situations into lighthearted and engaging exchanges. 

So glad to hear this. https://t.co/QCWqbk1zSI

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 23, 2023

Thank you for confirming Henry.
Glad Yamraj ji overruled. https://t.co/7udI7v6c1V

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 23, 2023

Heath Streak at 6:00 AM : Dead

Heath Streak at 10:00 AM : Alive

Review successful, Yamraj's decision overturned.

#HeathStreak#HeathStreak

— RAHUL KUMAR MEENA (@rahuldadrwal3) August 23, 2023

People coming across Heath Streak in real life after reading tweets of his demise. pic.twitter.com/CiU7nai6S9

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) August 23, 2023

#Heathstreak fake news failane walo ke sath pic.twitter.com/jPTkLzsOwd

— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) August 23, 2023

Out of context Heath Streak and Henry Olonga. pic.twitter.com/HCPxodyAom

— ajgar singh (@IndieKnopfler) August 23, 2023

Also Read: India Have Broken A Decade-old Streak By Benching Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma In ODIs

Even IPL franchises such as Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians expressed their condolences before later removing their posts upon realizing the error.

Image: PTI