Heath Streak denies match-fixing but apologises after being handed eight-year ban

The former Zimbabwe captain was found guilty of five breaches of the ICC anti-corruption code and given a lengthy punishment

Streak handed eight-year ban

Heath Streak has accepted his eight-year ban from all cricket but insists he has never participated in match-fixing.

The 47-year-old was charged with breaching five counts of the ICC's anti-corruption code and handed a lengthy ban from the sport.

Streak was adjudged to have disclosed information that could be used for betting purposes, failed to declare a gift from a potential corrupter and obstructed an ongoing investigation.

The offences related to Streak's coaching spells in charge of the Zimbabwe men's national team and in various T20 leagues across the world in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan across 2017 and 2018.

Former allrounder Streak, who played 65 Tests and 189 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe accepted the charged and has now broken his silence over the ban.

And while apologising for his involvement with businessman Deepak Agarwal, himself banned by the ICC for anti-corruption breaches, Streak insists he has never been involved in fixing cricket.

"I apologise sincerely to my family, friends, the cricket-loving public and most of all my fellow Zimbabweans who have, over the years, shown me love and support during the numerous trials and tribulations we have faced," a statement read.

He added: "I also want to place on record to the public and fans that I was not involved in any match-fixing, spot-fixing or attempts to influence a game or share information from a changeroom during a match at any given time in our relationship. This position has been confirmed by the ICC itself in its own statement. 

"I accepted the sanction by the ICC after extensive soul searching and having a better understanding of accountability.

"I hope my admissions and acknowledgement of my wrongdoing, wittingly or unwittingly, will set an example to current and future stakeholders in our beloved sport of cricket and I will continue to help the ICC as and when I am needed so that the next generation of players and administrators can see the potential dangers and pitfalls as well as understand the serious ramifications of their actions."

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