The former England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe is receiving treatment after “recently falling seriously ill”.
A statement released by the Professional Cricketers Association on behalf of Thorpe’s family revealed the shock news that he is in hospital with a serious illness.
“Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment,” it read.
“His prognosis is unclear at this stage and we ask for privacy for him and his family at this time. Our thoughts are with Graham and his family.”
Thorpe, 52, was England’s batting coach until earlier this year, when he lost his job in the wake of a heavy Ashes defeat.
He was due to take over as Afghanistan’s head coach, although whether he now takes up that position remains to be seen.
Thorpe was a prolific England batter in the 1990s and 2000s, playing 100 Tests and scoring 49 first-class centuries.
A statement from Surrey read: “The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Graham, his wife Amanda, and family at this time.
“He is an icon of the English game, known by millions of cricket fans and forever a favourite son of Surrey CCC.”
