Graham Thorpe Would Be Alive With Better Support, Claims Widow After ECB Exit

The widow of former England batter Graham Thorpe has said she believes her husband would still be alive today had he received stronger and more consistent support from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after losing his coaching role. Thorpe died by suicide in August last year, two-and-a-half years after he was removed from the national setup.

In an emotional interview with TalkSPORT, his wife Amanda said Thorpe’s dismissal left him devastated, isolated, and feeling as though he had been “cut off from his cricket family.” Coroner Jonathan Stevens had similarly concluded that the termination had a “devastating effect” on Thorpe’s mental health.

Amanda stated that more sustained intervention from the cricketing system could have prevented his death.
“It is really clear to me that he would still be alive if he’d had just a bit more of a support framework to lean on during that transition,” she said.

A Career Built on Cricket

Thorpe, one of England’s most technically accomplished batters, joined the ECB's coaching setup in 2009 and later served as assistant coach and batting specialist. His tenure came to an abrupt end in 2022 following England’s heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.

During that tour, Thorpe recorded a late-night video with police officers who intervened in a gathering involving players and staff during COVID-19 restrictions. The video leaked online, leading to an ECB investigation and ultimately his departure.

Support Fell Short, Says Widow

Following his sacking, the ECB arranged 10 online counselling sessions, extended his medical insurance for three months, funded a four-week stay in a rehabilitation hospital, and later offered him a scouting position. However, Amanda said these measures were insufficient.

“We really did ask for help. I knew he needed more than that,” she said. “As he went through these sessions, it was clear he wasn’t coping. He was getting worse.”

She added that by the time the ECB extended a job offer, Thorpe had deteriorated significantly, suffering a stroke and battling severe mental health challenges.

“It was too late. After the crisis in May he was very ill,” she said. “We don’t know how the stroke affected his brain, but the doctors knew he was extremely unwell.”

ECB Responds

In a statement, the ECB expressed condolences, describing Thorpe as “deeply admired and much-loved.” The board said his death underscores the mental health challenges faced across society and confirmed that they remain in regular contact with Amanda and Thorpe’s family.

Thorpe’s passing has reopened discussion about duty of care in elite sport and the need for stronger long-term mental health support for players and coaches transitioning out of high-pressure roles.