England Test captain Ben Stokes said his home was burgled this month while he was away on a tour of Pakistan, with his wife and two children present.
Stokes was playing in the second Test in Multan when the robbery occurred. Ms Stokes said the family was not physically harmed, but “the experience has affected their emotional and mental state”.
In a social media post, Ms Stokes said: “On the evening of Thursday October 17th, my home in the Castle Eden area of the North East was robbed by a large number of masked people. They made off with jewellery, and other valuables. Many of those items have real sentimental value to me and my family. They are irreplaceable.
“This is a appeal for help in finding the people who carried out this act. The worst thing about this crime is that it took place while my wife and two young children were at home. Thank God. No one in my family was physically harmed, but of course the experience affected their emotional and mental state. is just how bad this situation could have been.”
Stokes posted a photo of the stolen items, including the Order of the British Empire medal he received in 2020 for helping England win the World Cup last year. Other items pictured include a handbag, ring, and necklace.
Mr Stokes added: “We have lost valuable possessions, but let me be clear: My only motive for sharing these photos is not to get back any material items. It’s about catching people.”
Mr Stokes encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact Durham Police before thanking police for their “outstanding” assistance. “They continue to work incredibly hard to find these people,” he added.
The 33-year-old returned from a hamstring injury in Multan but had missed England’s previous four Tests, including England’s record-breaking win in the first Test at the same venue. When he took to bat the day after the robbery, he made 37 hits off 36 balls as England lost by 152 runs.
Stokes struggled for runs in the final Test and failed to bowl against Rawalpindi, resulting in a series loss. This is the second time Stokes has been appointed captain since 2022. England head coach Brendon McCullum said Stokes was “hurt” after the difficult match. He added that the all-rounder’s efforts to stay fit for this series may have influenced his captaincy.
“That injury was a pretty serious injury,” McCallum said. “He had to put in an incredible effort to come back. He’s a motivated athlete, so when he does something he gives it his all. He had to put in a lot of effort. So maybe subconsciously that…maybe not cloud things, but maybe you’re not that confused in terms of decision-making. Captain and we know he’s a tough guy.”
Stokes was on Tuesday part of the 16-man England squad selected for the three-Test tour of New Zealand, which begins at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on November 28.
