ECB CEO Tom Harrison Backs Ben Stokes In Family Story Row

Stokes lashed out on the daily and called the publication 'immoral' and 'heartless' as it published a report about his secret family tragedy

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was left extremely furious after a leading English daily published a report about his secret family tragedy on Tuesday. A day after to the incident, England and Wales Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Harrison backed Stokes, saying that the country stands with him in support. “We, like the wider sporting world, are disgusted and appalled at the actions taken in revealing the tragic events from Ben's past,” Harrison said in a statement. “We are saddened that an intrusion of this magnitude was deemed necessary in order to sell newspapers or secure clicks. Ben's exploits this summer have cemented his place in cricket's history - we are sure the whole sport, and the country, stands behind him in support,” he added. Stokes lashed out on the daily and called the publication immoral and heartless. “Today *(name of the leading daily)* has seen fit to publish extremely painful, sensitive and personal details concerning events in the private lives of my family, going back more than 31 years,” the cricketer's statement read. “It is hard to find words that adequately describe such low and despicable behaviour, disguised as journalism. I cannot conceive of anything more immoral, heartless or contemptuous to the feelings and circumstances of my family,” he added. Stokes has done marvels for the England Cricket Team in recent times. His 84-run knock in the World Cup Final helped his side in lifting their maiden title. Later, during the Ashes 2019, he played a match-winning knock of 135 runs in the third Test to guide England to a one-wicket win over Australia in the third Test at Headingley. After the conclusion of Ashes, he was awarded England's Man of the Series award.