Graham Thorpe: Former England striker committed suicide, family say

Former Pakistan fast bowler and captain Waqar Younis, who played with Thorpe for Surrey between 1990 and 1993, said his former team-mate’s death had “left a big void in my life”.

“Graham Thorpe was everything to me – he was a very close friend and a family member of sorts,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live Cricket.

“He was one of the greatest players England have produced and as a friend he was incredible, an exceptional individual.

“I will remember him as my brother.”

Waqar, who took 373 wickets in 87 Tests, said he and Thorpe “really clicked” when they met at Surrey and remained close when they faced each other in international matches and during Waqar’s later stints at Glamorgan and Warwickshire.

The 52-year-old played for Pakistan in England’s famous third Test victory in Karachi in 2000, when Thorpe scored the winning runs in the gloom to secure his team’s first series win in the country since 1962.

“He played like a champion,” Waqar said.

“He was a complete player. At that time he played against quality players from all over the world and he managed to score points in all regions of the world.”

Listen to Waqar Younis in the latest 5 Live Cricket show on BBC Sounds.