Graham Thorpe "seriously ill" in hospital, family say

Thorpe's family released a statement via the Professional Cricketers' Association on Tuesday, giving an overview of the 52-year-old's status

Former England batsman Graham Thorpe is seriously ill in hospital, with his prognosis "unclear".

Thorpe's family released a statement via the Professional Cricketers' Association on Tuesday, giving an overview of the 52-year-old's status.

"Graham Thorpe has recently fallen seriously ill and is currently in hospital receiving treatment," the statement 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."

^{Graham Thorpe is "seriously ill" in hospital [Daniel Pockett/Getty Images]}

Thorpe made 182 international appearances and was part of the England men's backroom staff until the end of the Ashes tour over the winter.

He was recently appointed as the new head coach of the Afghanistan men's team.

A spokesperson for Surrey, the county with whom Thorpe spent his domestic career, said: "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."