UPDATE: Banned Streak faces prosecution

Sports Editor

Former Zimbabwe coach Heath Streak, who is smarting from an eight-year ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC), is facing further sanctions from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for corruption.

Streak was on Wednesday banned by the ICC in a corruption case that sent shockwaves in domestic cricket.

Government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), followed up the announcement by indicating it is considering prosecuting the ex-Chevrons captain and coach in terms of the country’s laws.

SRC chair Gerald Mlotshwa said the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation had sought the opinion of the NPA on Streak’s transgressions.

“The Ministry of Youth, Sports, Art and Recreation (‘the Ministry’) and the Sports and Recreation Commission (‘SRC’) have been notified of the International Cricket Council’s decision to ban former Zimbabwe cricket captain and coach, Heath  Streak, from “all cricket” for eight years after he accepted five charges of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code,” said Mlotshwa.

“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 also taken locally by the NPA.

“The public is advised that the Sports Integrity Bill is under consideration by the Attorney-General’s Office after Cabinet approved of the principles thereof last year. The purpose of the final Bill, once enacted into law, is to provide for clearly defined criminal offences as relating to sport in Zimbabwe.”

Mlotshwa said the SRC board remains committed to eradicate all forms of corruption in local sport, which includes age-cheating and match manipulation.

He said the local sports regulator “fully supported” and “endorsed” the ICC’s decision to ban Streak.

Streak was charged as a participant under the Code by virtue of his status as the coach of Zimbabwe from 2016 to 2018 and as the coach of various domestic teams.

The charges are as follows:

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.

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.

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.

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.

According to the ICC, under the provisions of the Code, Streak chose to admit the charges and agreed the sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing.

He will be free to resume his involvement in the game on March 28, 2029.

Alex Marshall, ICC general manager (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.”

Streak’s offences, Marshall added, did not affect the outcomes of any relevant matches.

He has also agreed to assist the ICC anti-corruption education programme, for which the world cricket governing body is grateful.

Streak has also expressed his remorse and contrition and entered this agreed sanction decision to avoid the need for a full disciplinary process, with the sanction reflective of his cooperation.