Cricket

Graham Thorpe, the former England cricketer who passed away on August 5, 2023, at the age of 49, took his own life, his family has revealed.Thorpe's wife, Amanda, told The Times that her husband had been suffering from depression and anxiety in recent years. "He was so unwell in recent times and he really did believe that we would be better off without him," she said. "We are devastated that he acted on that and took his own life."Thorpe, who played 100 Test matches for England, was a highly respected figure in the cricket world. He was known for his elegant batting and his ability to score runs in all conditions. He also played 82 One-Day Internationals for England, scoring 2,380 runs.After retiring from playing, Thorpe worked as a coach for England and Surrey. He was widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the world and helped to develop some of England's most talented young players.Thorpe's death has sent shockwaves through the cricket community. He was a popular figure among fans and players alike, and his loss will be deeply felt.In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Thorpe. Graham was a fine cricketer and a wonderful ambassador for the game. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him."Thorpe's family has asked for privacy at this difficult time. They have also set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, has opened up about the life-altering car crash he experienced in December 2022. In an upcoming episode of the BBC show "Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams," Flintoff reveals the profound impact the accident has had on his physical and mental well-being."I genuinely should not be here, with what happened," Flintoff says in footage filmed from his hospital bed. "It's going to be a long road back and I'm only just starting."Flintoff underwent multiple facial surgeries after the crash, which occurred while he was filming for the British TV show "Top Gear." He has kept a low public profile since then, but in the upcoming episode, he speaks candidly about the challenges he has faced."I thought I could just shake it off," Flintoff says. "But it's been a lot harder than I thought. I've got nightmares, I have flashbacks. It's been so hard to cope with."Despite the difficulties, Flintoff is determined to move forward. "I've got another chance, I've got to go at it," he says. "I'm seeing that as how it is: a second go."Flintoff's recovery has been gradual, but he has returned to cricket in various coaching roles. He has worked with England's white-ball teams and is also head coach of Northern Superchargers in the men's Hundred.In the upcoming episode of "Field of Dreams," Flintoff also discusses his coaching ambitions. "I've always had an ambition to coach," he says. "I'd love to do more coaching moving forwards."Flintoff's journey back from the crash is a testament to his resilience and determination. His story highlights the importance of seeking support and finding ways to cope with trauma.

Mohammed Shami, one of India's premier fast bowlers, has faced significant challenges both on and off the field. Despite being India's leading wicket-taker in the last three ODI World Cups, his personal life has been marred by controversy.Shami's tumultuous separation from his wife, Hasin Jahan, made headlines when she filed a police complaint against him for domestic violence. She also accused him of match-fixing after allegedly receiving money from a Pakistani woman.While Shami was cleared of these allegations by authorities, his friend and fellow cricketer Umesh Kumar revealed on a podcast that Shami contemplated suicide during that time."Shami was shattered when the fixing allegations broke out," said Kumar. "He said he could tolerate anything but not accusations of betraying his country."Kumar recalled an incident where he found Shami standing on the balcony of their 19th-floor apartment at 4 AM. "I understood what was happening," said Kumar. "That night was the longest of Shami's career."Shami later received a clean chit from the investigating committee, which brought him immense relief. "He was probably happier that day than he would have been if he had won a World Cup," added Kumar.Shami himself opened up about his struggles during that period. "When you know the other person's actions are invalid, you should not leave your priorities," he said. "If I had not been the Mohammed Shami I am today, no one would have cared about my situation."Shami's resilience and determination have been instrumental in his recovery. He has continued to perform at the highest level, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can overcome challenges and achieve success.

Alice Capsey, the 18-year-old English cricket sensation, has opened up about the challenges she has faced in balancing her demanding schedule and maintaining her mental well-being. Despite her impressive achievements, Capsey has taken a step back this season to prioritize her personal growth and performance.Since her breakout season in the inaugural Women's Hundred, Capsey has played a staggering 93 top-level T20 matches, leading to a toll on her physical and mental health. She has opted out of regional cricket this season to focus on her international commitments and take breaks when necessary."I've been under the spotlight for the last three years, and it's taken its toll," Capsey admitted. "I've taken a step back this year to prioritize myself and focus on what matters to me as a person and a cricketer."Capsey's decision has paid dividends, as she recently scored a career-best 67 not out against New Zealand in the third T20I, securing victory for England. She acknowledged that she is still learning and developing as a player, but she is confident in her role at No. 3 in the batting order."I know that it's not going to come off every time, but on nights like these, it's about going big and securing the win," Capsey said. "I feel the most calm and controlled I've felt in a very long time."England head coach Jon Lewis has expressed his desire for Capsey to become one of the team's top-five batters in ODIs, while also recognizing her current focus on the shorter format. Capsey has also been keen to contribute with her part-time offspin, but she acknowledges the strength of England's spin-bowling department."I'd love to bowl, but I stand no chance with those three," Capsey said, referring to Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean. "They perform day in, day out, and when I do get the opportunity, I'm going to make the most of it."As England prepares for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, Capsey is embracing the team's experimental approach and the opportunity to explore different options. She believes that the team's adaptability and freedom to play to their strengths will be crucial to their success.

Ishan Kishan, the prodigious wicket-keeper batter, has endured a challenging period in recent months, losing his place in the Indian team across all formats and the BCCI central contract. In an exclusive interview with the Indian Express, Kishan candidly shared his experiences and aspirations.Kishan's absence from the Indian team stemmed from a combination of factors, including travel fatigue and mental exhaustion. He sought a break from the tour of South Africa in December 2023, a decision that was met with mixed reactions."I don't want to be sad about anything. I'll keep giving my best," Kishan said, reflecting on the setbacks. He acknowledged the emotional toll of the past few months, questioning why such adversity had befallen him."It was depressing. I don't want to say that everything was fine. It was not easy for me at all. You go through a lot. Questions like what happened, why me, with me. All these things happened when I was performing," he confided.Kishan emphasized that his break was primarily due to travel fatigue, but he also recognized that his mental well-being was compromised. He lamented that his decision was not fully understood by many."I was scoring runs and then I found myself on the bench. These things do happen in a team sport. But I experienced travel fatigue. It meant there was something wrong, I was not feeling well or right and so I decided to take a break. However, sadly, barring my family and few close people no one understood that," he said.Kishan believes that his break was necessary and that he is now ready to make a comeback. He understands the importance of performing in domestic cricket to earn a recall to the national team."I took a break and I think it was normal. There is a rule that if you want to make a comeback you must perform in domestic cricket. It is as simple as that. Now, it was very different for me to play domestic cricket as it was not making any sense. I was not in a frame of mind to play and that is why I took a break from international cricket. It doesn't make sense that you take a break from international cricket and then you go and play domestic matches. Then I could have continued playing for India," he asserted.Kishan remains determined to regain his place in the Indian team and is confident that he can overcome the challenges he has faced. His resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities will undoubtedly serve him well in his pursuit of excellence.

Tasmanian offspinner Jarrod Freeman has taken an indefinite break from cricket to prioritize his mental well-being. The 23-year-old has been a mainstay in Tasmania's Sheffield Shield team for the past two seasons, claiming 40 wickets at an average of 46.00. He played a pivotal role in the team's run to the final in the 2023-24 campaign.Freeman's decision to step away from the game highlights the growing awareness of mental health issues in professional sports. Cricket Tasmania has expressed its support for Freeman during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. The organization hopes to see him return to cricket in the future.Tasmania has taken steps to bolster its spin bowling resources in the off-season, signing Test left-armer Matt Kuhnemann from Queensland and Australia Under-19 offspinner Raf MacMillan on a rookie contract. Kuhnemann, who was recently on standby for Australia's T20 World Cup squad, has moved states to gain more red-ball experience. He has only played four first-class matches since featuring in the Test series against India early last year.Legspinner Mitchell Swepson was Queensland's primary spin option in the Sheffield Shield last season, but the pair played together as a key part of Brisbane Heat's BBL title-winning side. Kuhnemann will remain with Heat for the 2024-25 season.Cricket Tasmania continues to prioritize mental health training and education for its athletes, recognizing the challenges they face throughout their careers. The organization's support for Freeman serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in the sporting world.

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has bravely opened up about his nine-month battle with a stress-related illness that left him housebound and struggling to perform everyday tasks. Vaughan's candid revelation aims to raise awareness about the debilitating effects of stress and encourage others who may be suffering in silence.Vaughan's illness, known as stress-induced inflammatory illness, has significantly impacted his life. He has experienced severe physical symptoms, including difficulty walking and getting in and out of his car. The emotional toll has also been immense, with Vaughan feeling embarrassed and isolated.Despite his struggles, Vaughan has sought professional help and is now on medication that has helped him manage his symptoms. He has also adopted lifestyle changes, such as ice baths, infrared therapy, and breathing sessions, to support his recovery.Vaughan's decision to share his story is motivated by a desire to help others who may be struggling with similar issues. He emphasizes that stress can manifest in unexpected ways and that it's important to seek help if needed."I don't want this to appear as if I'm after any sympathy, because I'm not," Vaughan said. "I just hope I can help one or two people."Vaughan's experience highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open dialogue about stress-related illnesses. By sharing his story, he hopes to break down the stigma associated with these conditions and encourage others to seek support.

Gary Kirsten, the former South African cricketer and coach, will commence his two-year tenure as head coach of the Pakistan men's national cricket team on May 19 in Leeds. This appointment marks a significant milestone for Pakistan cricket, as Kirsten brings a wealth of experience and success to the role.Kirsten's coaching credentials are impeccable. He guided India to victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup, a historic achievement that cemented his status as one of the most respected coaches in the game. He also coached South Africa for two years, leading them to several notable victories.In his new role, Kirsten will be tasked with preparing Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. The team's first match in the tournament will be against the USA in Dallas on June 6. Kirsten believes that Pakistan has the potential to make a strong impact at the World Cup, but it will require collective effort and unwavering support."These are indeed thrilling times for Pakistan cricket," Kirsten said. "The upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan's legacy as a formidable force in cricket."To support Kirsten in his mission, the PCB has also appointed Simon Helmot as fielding coach and David Reid as mental performance coach. Helmot will join the team on May 31, while Reid will arrive on May 20 and remain until the end of the World Cup.The PCB's decision to prioritize the mental well-being of its players is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in sports. Reid, a seasoned expert with nearly two decades of experience, will provide comprehensive care to the players, helping them thrive both on and off the field."Ensuring the mental health and well-being of our elite cricketers is not just a priority, but a fundamental commitment," said Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman. "We are confident that our players will receive the comprehensive care they need to thrive both on and off the field."Kirsten's appointment, along with the addition of Helmot and Reid, signals a new era for Pakistan cricket. The team will be looking to build on its recent successes and make a strong statement at the T20 World Cup. With Kirsten at the helm, Pakistan has the potential to achieve great things.

Justin Langer, the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shared his insights on the evolving dynamics of cricket, the multifaceted role of modern coaches, and the challenges faced by players in the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Langer, a former Australian cricketer, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the game from a simpler era to the complex and demanding landscape of today. He emphasizes the importance of man management for coaches, who must navigate the diverse personalities and needs of players to create a cohesive team.The IPL, with its massive financial rewards and intense competition, has brought about a shift in the mindset of players. While performance remains paramount, the influx of money has also led to a rise in expectations and pressure. Langer believes that players must focus on their performance rather than the financial rewards to achieve true stardom.Langer also highlights the importance of mental health in the high-pressure environment of professional cricket. He commends players like Glenn Maxwell for speaking out about their struggles, and emphasizes the need for coaches to be observant and supportive of their players' mental well-being.The upcoming T20 World Cup will be a test of the teams' ability to adapt to different conditions. Langer believes that teams with strong bowling attacks will have an advantage, and he identifies India, Australia, and New Zealand as potential favorites.