The ECB Chief Tom Harrison on Tuesday came out in support of the country’s cricketer Ben Stokes after an English daily published details about his personal life and family, which the star all-rounder termed as “utterly disgusting” and the “lowest form of journalism”.
Ben Stokes has hit out at The Sun newspaper for the “heartless” and “immoral” decision to publish a front-page article about a family tragedy that occurred in New Zealand before he was born.
In a statement on Twitter, Stokes said the story concerned “events in the private lives of my family. It took place way back more than 31 years” adding that it contained “serious inaccuracies which have compounded the damage caused”.
Appalled at the actions taken by The Sun – Ben Stokes
The report alleges that his mother’s two children were killed by her ex in 1988. It was a few years before the cricketer’s birth. The all-rounder called the publication “heartless and immoral” for their reportage. And also, revealed that the reporter went down to New Zealand to question his parents about this “incredibly upsetting topic.”
“We, like the wider sporting world, are disgusted. And also, appalled at the actions taken in revealing the tragic events from Ben’s past,” ECB Chief Tom Harrison as was quoted by The Daily Star.
https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/1173893834377441280
In a statement, The Sun insisted the paper had the “utmost sympathy” for Stokes and his mother. But, they said that they had received the co-operation of a family member in compiling the story.
Ben Stokes had a memorable summer. Recently, he played a match-winning knock of 135 runs in the third Test to guide England to a one-wicket win over Australia at Headingley. After the conclusion of Ashes, he was also awarded England’s Man of the Series award.
Earlier, the all-rounder also had a successful World Cup campaign as well. He scored 84 runs in the final against New Zealand to help his side lift its maiden 50-over World Cup.