AMAR VIRDI, who is part of England’s 30-member training group for the Test series against West Indies, strongly believes a lot of cricketing talent among minority communities in the country goes untapped.
Interacting with the media from a bio-secure bubble at the Ageas Bowl, the Surrey off-spinner said he hoped to make history as the third Sikh to play for England, after Monty Panesar and Ravi Bopara.
"I definitely want to be playing in the first Test… I want to be in the squad," said Virdi, who has claimed 69 wickets from 23 first class matches.
"I'm very proud of myself that I've got to this stage."
Virdi's selection in England's 30-member training group comes amid debate on the lack of diversity in English cricket.
Elaborating on factors that hamper progress of players from minority backgrounds, he explained that that it could be "very daunting" for some of them to enter major country clubs.
"I started at Indian Gymkhana Cricket Club [in Osterley], which is a majority-Asian club, and I found it daunting moving to Sunbury which I did at about 12 years old," Virdi said.
"But it was the best move for my cricket, because it's important to play at a standard where it's recognised and you've got ex-pros at the club… and you've got a lot of support."
Lack of role models was another issue, hinted Virdi, adding that he was lucky to grow up watching Monty Panesar play.
"Growing up, I watched Graeme Swann and Monty bowling and that was very inspirational to me," he said.
"Obviously with Monty… because he looks very similar to me, especially being from the community that I am.
"We're in a minority in a lot of industries so when you do see someone progressing and doing well in that particular field that you're in, it really motivates you, and shows that you can do it if they're doing it as well."
Virdi observed that many children from minority communities do not get sufficient opportunities and exposure.
"It's changing now, but a maybe a lot of kids from minorities don't go to private schools," he noted. "Maybe they're first or second generation here, maybe they might not be able to afford those opportunities.
"If you're at a private school, you're getting cricket there on a weekly basis or a few times a week, but a state school… my school didn't even play cricket."
The attacking bowler expressed gratitude for his parents’ "commitment", stressing that lack of familial support often discouraged budding talent among minority groups.
"I'm really lucky because my parents were really supportive," said Virdi.
"A lot of people's parents are busy making ends meet, and they don't have time necessarily to take their kids to practice, but I'm so thankful to my mum and dad that they took time to support me, driving me up and down the country. Without that, I wouldn't be here."
Virdi also highlighted the urgent need for “more education” about cricketing setups among minority groups.
"A lot of people I speak to don't even know how to start,” he said. "There's so much talent, from so many different communities, it definitely needs to be tapped into."
Mindsets among the minority communities, too, needed to change, emphasised Virdi.
"Growing up a lot of people's parents support India, for example, so you grow up supporting India or wherever you're from or where your family background is," he said.
"Even from a young age I've always supported England, and it's important to have that mindset firstly."
Iga Swiatek storms into her first Wimbledon final with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Belinda Bencic
Swiatek will face Amanda Anisimova, who beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka
Anisimova reaches her first Wimbledon final and will break into the top 10 rankings
Sabalenka exits in the semi-final for the second time, despite a strong 2024 season
IGA SWIATEK reached her first Wimbledon final on Thursday with a dominant 6-2, 6-0 win over Belinda Bencic in just 71 minutes on Centre Court. The 24-year-old, seeded eighth, will face Amanda Anisimova in the final after the American defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set semi-final.
“Honestly, I never even dreamed that it's going to be possible for me to play in the final,” said Swiatek. “So I'm just super-excited and proud of myself and, I don't know, tennis keeps surprising me. I thought I had experienced everything on the court but I didn't experience playing well on grass, so that's the first time. I'm super excited and just enjoying it.”
Swiatek broke early in the match, racing to a 3-0 lead and never allowed the 35th-ranked Bencic to settle. The Swiss player, who won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2021, managed to win two games in the first set but was unable to respond as Swiatek took full control in the second.
“Today was just a different level from Iga. She played amazing and I didn't feel like she let me in the match for one second,” said Bencic. “There's nothing I really regret. In the end, she was just too good, and I was a step too short.”
Swiatek has now dropped just one set in the tournament. Although four of her five Grand Slam titles have come at the French Open, she made her first grass-court final at Bad Homburg two weeks ago and has now reached her second on the surface.
Swiatek, who reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year, has won all five of her previous Grand Slam finals. She will face Anisimova in their first professional meeting.
Anisimova, seeded 13th, advanced to her first Wimbledon final after beating Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a match lasting just over two and a half hours.
“This doesn't feel real right now, honestly,” said Anisimova. “Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there. I don't know how I pulled it out. We've had so many tough battles and to come out on top and be in the final of Wimbledon is incredible.”
The 23-year-old, who now holds a 6-3 head-to-head record over Sabalenka, won the first set before the Belarusian levelled the match in the second. Anisimova closed out the final set to complete a notable victory.
Anisimova made headlines in 2019 when she reached the semi-finals of the French Open at the age of 17. In 2023, she took an eight-month break from tennis for mental health reasons and dropped out of the top 400. At Wimbledon last year, she failed to qualify for the main draw.
On Thursday, she became only the second player in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam final after losing in qualifying at the same event the previous year. She is now guaranteed to enter the top 10 of the rankings on Monday.
“If you told me I would be in the final of Wimbledon, I would not believe you. It's indescribable to be honest,” she said.
For Sabalenka, it was another disappointment at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old has now failed to progress past the semi-finals at the tournament. She won the US Open last year and reached the finals of both the Australian Open and French Open earlier this season.
“Losing sucks,” Sabalenka said. “You feel like you are getting close to your dream and then this is the end. You always feel like you want to die and not exist any more. But then you sit there a little bit and think about what you could have done differently.”
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
The Gold and Black Limited Edition bundles draw inspiration from two iconic Japanese art
Sony reveals Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 consoles during State of Play.
Two designs announced: Gold (global) and Black (PlayStation Direct exclusive).
Consoles and controllers inspired by Japanese art styles kintsugi and sumi-e.
Both bundles launch on 2 October alongside the game’s release.
Sony unveils striking Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 consoles
PlayStation has officially revealed the Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 Console Bundles, featuring unique designs that pay tribute to Japanese visual art and the world of Sucker Punch’s upcoming game. The announcement was made during the recent State of Play event, which also showcased an in-depth look at gameplay.
Launching on 2 October 2025, the limited edition bundles will coincide with the release of Ghost of Yōtei, an action-adventure game set in a fictional version of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido). The bundles include either a gold or black PS5 console, each with its own matching DualSense Wireless Controller and digital copy of the game.
Honouring Japanese artistry
The Gold and Black Limited Edition bundles draw inspiration from two iconic Japanese art forms:
Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition
Available globally, the gold edition is inspired by kintsugi, the traditional Japanese method of repairing ceramics with lacquer and gold. This design symbolises beauty in imperfection and reflects the emotional journey of the game’s protagonist, Atsu, as she faces adversity and seeks healing.
Ghost of Yōtei Black Limited Edition
This version will be exclusive to direct.playstation.com and also available at selected retailers in Japan. It draws on the monochromatic art style of sumi-e, using black ink brushstrokes to evoke the mystery and natural beauty of Ezo, while also representing Atsu’s internal struggle and pursuit of redemption.
Both designs feature an engraved maker’s seal with the iconic PlayStation shapes, located on the back of the console’s top cover and on the controller. The matching controllers also include a silhouette of Atsu printed on the touchpad.
The controller and cover designs have been developed in close collaboration with the PlayStation design teamPlayStation
Design inspiration from the game
According to Sucker Punch’s Creative Director Jason Connell, the console and controller designs were developed to reflect key themes in Ghost of Yōtei:
“Our inspiration for this design came straight from one of the core aspects within the game: a deep focus on exploration. This includes the hand-drawn icons Atsu marks on her map, a kintsugi-style effect pulled from her Ghost mask, and brushstrokes reminiscent of her Sumi-e paintings,” he said. “The towering Mount Yōtei is included at the centre of the console design to pull it all together.”
What’s included in the bundles?
Each Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 Console Bundle includes:
A limited edition PlayStation 5 console with disc drive (model group – slim)
A matching DualSense Wireless Controller
A digital copy of Ghost of Yōtei – Standard Edition
Pre-order content: an exclusive in-game mask and a set of seven PSN avatars featuring concept art of Atsu and the Yōtei Six
The controller and cover designs have been developed in close collaboration with the PlayStation design team and are only available in limited quantities.
Console covers and standalone accessories
Sony has also confirmed that for those who already own a PS5 or PS5 Pro, the Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition console covers will be sold separately. These feature the same gold kintsugi design as the bundle version and will be available at:
Participating online retailers in other territories
Both the Gold and Black DualSense Wireless Controllers will also be available as standalone purchases, with the black controller being limited to PlayStation Direct and select retailers in Japan.
Release date and availability
The Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition consoles and accessories will release on 2 October 2025, the same day as the game. Quantities will be limited, and pre-order details will be announced soon.
For more updates, visitdirect.playstation.com or follow PlayStation’s official channels.
Keep ReadingShow less
Chandran wore lambskin shorts and a green cashmere sweater for her Wimbledon appearance
Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.
Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.
Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/
A Ralph Lauren moment with a Bridgerton nod
Charithra arrived at Wimbledon 2025 in a look that paid homage to her Bridgerton roots while firmly placing her among fashion’s rising stars. Wearing a sleeveless green cashmere sweater layered over a crisp white shirt, she paired the look with tan lambskin shorts and sleek white Nappa pumps, giving preppy summer chic a polished, modern upgrade.
She styled her hair in soft vintage curls, writing on TikTok that her look was “Edwina inspired,” referencing her breakout role in the hit Netflix period drama. She later posted the outfit on Instagram, captioning it, “Repping @wimbledon green with @ralphlauren. Wouldn’t be summer without it.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fashion watchers alike praising her effortless charm.
— (@)
Fans say she 'stole the spotlight' from Hollywood A-listers
While Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro were seated directly in front of her, and even made headlines for their courtside chemistry, many online noted that Chandran quietly stole the moment. One user tweeted, “Charithra Chandran is so beautiful, I didn’t even notice Andrew Garfield.” Another added, “Serving face, grace and Wimbledon-worthy class.”
Reddit threads lit up with praise for her presence and look, with several fans highlighting how refreshing it was to see a dark-skinned South Asian woman at the centre of attention at such a high-profile event. The comments ranged from “She should be a Disney princess” to “That’s the definition of quiet luxury.”
Style with substance: why Chandran’s fashion matters
Chandran’s choice to embrace a look so rooted in vintage elegance and British tailoring also mirrors her own journey. She is an Oxford graduate who brings intelligence, poise, and presence both on-screen and off. As a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, she has consistently delivered looks that nod to heritage while adding her own contemporary vibe to it.
In a media landscape that still underrepresents South Asian women in luxury fashion spaces, Chandran’s presence at Wimbledon in a leading designer’s box, and in their outfit, felt quietly radical. She wasn’t just there; she belonged there.
Charithra’s look was inspired by her character Edwina Sharma from BridgertonInstagram/charithra17/
From Bridgerton to fashion’s front row
While Charithra Chandran is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2, she’s no stranger to reinvention. Recent credits include Dune: Prophecy and the upcoming season of One Piece, where she plays Nefertari Vivi. Off-screen, she’s rapidly becoming a name to watch in the fashion world, with red carpet looks that bring together tradition and trend with striking ease.
Whether she’s portraying a royal on screen or sitting in the royal box in real life, Chandran’s presence is part of a larger shift towards a more diverse, intelligent, and graceful representation in both fashion and film.
Keep ReadingShow less
Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members
Amazon Prime Day runs until 11 July, with major savings on electronics
Apple AirPods Pro 2, iPad 11th-gen, and MacBook Air M4 hit all-time low prices
Samsung Galaxy phones, Sony headphones and Fire TV devices also see deep cuts
Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, but free trial users can also access deals
Biggest electronics sale of the year
Amazon’s four-day Prime Day 2025 event has delivered a flood of deals on popular electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones and more. Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members, though new users can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access the discounts.
As part of this year’s event, several top-rated products from Apple, Samsung, Sony and Amazon itself have seen some of their lowest-ever prices. According to The Independent’s senior tech critic Alex Lee, “Apple discounts are notoriously rare — but this Prime Day is a clear exception.”
Apple’s best Prime Day deals
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Was £229, now £179 – Amazon.co.uk These premium earbuds feature upgraded audio quality and adaptive noise cancellation. Tech reviewer David Phelan described them as “the best AirPods yet”, noting their impressive environmental awareness features.
Was £329, now £284 – Amazon.co.uk Launched in March 2025, this model comes with an A16 Bionic chip, USB-C charging, and 128GB of storage. It’s considered the best-value iPad currently on the market.
Was £999, now £849 – Amazon.co.uk This slimline laptop is praised for its fast performance, long battery life and sleek design. Phelan called it “Apple’s best MacBook Air yet”.
Ultra 2: Was £799, now £659 Both watches include health tracking features like sleep monitoring, ECG, and fitness metrics. The Ultra 2 also includes a double-tap gesture and two-day battery life.
Was £99, now £55 – Amazon.co.uk Praised by reviewers for sound quality and noise cancellation at a budget price. Which? rated them one of the best mid-range earbuds.
Was £289, now £179 – Amazon.co.uk These over-ear headphones offer top-tier noise cancellation and comfort. Suitable for frequent travellers or remote workers.
Was £79, now £53 – Amazon.co.uk A favourite alternative to AirPods, with long battery life and reliable ANC.
Tips for tech shoppers
Check price history – Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to confirm whether a deal is genuinely at its lowest price.
Compare with high street retailers – Currys, Argos and John Lewis may match or beat Prime Day prices.
Watch out for Lightning Deals – Some electronics deals are time-limited or quantity-restricted.
Sign up for alerts – Use the Amazon app or wishlists to get notified as soon as your favourite products drop in price.
Read expert reviews – Publications like The Independent, TechRadar, and Wired offer trusted opinions.
Prime Day 2025 has proven to be a massive event for electronics, with major savings on Apple, Samsung, Sony and more. From flagship phones and MacBooks to OLED TVs and noise-cancelling earbuds, this year’s sale includes some of the best prices seen in months. With the sale ending at 11:59 pm on 11 July, time is running out to make the most of these deals.
Whether you're after new headphones, a smartwatch, or a tablet for work or leisure, the Prime Day sale offers plenty of compelling options — but only while stocks last.
Keep ReadingShow less
UK-based Nanak Hotels acquired the 60-room Kings Court Hotel in Warwickshire for £2.75 million. (Photo: Colliers International UK)
UK-BASED Nanak Hotels recently acquired the 60-room Kings Court Hotel, a 17th-century property in Warwickshire, England, for £2.75 million. This is the first regional acquisition by the privately held firm led by British Indians Harpreet Singh Saluja and Karamvir Singh.
Nanak Hotels, which operates a UK property portfolio, plans to invest in the property's refurbishment and repositioning, according to a statement from Colliers International UK, which brokered the transaction.
“We’re excited to bring Kings Court Hotel into our portfolio as our first Warwickshire acquisition,” said Saluja. “It has a solid foundation and loyal customer base. We see potential to develop the hotel while preserving its heritage.”
The West Midlands hotel, on a 4.2-acre site between Alcester and Redditch, began as a 17th-century farmhouse and now operates as a hospitality business with public areas, event and conference facilities and wedding capacity for up to 130 guests.
The hotel’s previous owner said Kings Court had been central to their work for over 30 years.
“It’s been a privilege to grow it into what it is today,” the owner said. “As we retire, we’re pleased to see it pass to a new owner who shares our commitment to hospitality and has a vision for its future.”
“The sale of Kings Court Hotel drew strong interest due to its size, location and trading performance,” said Josh Sullivan and Peter Brunt of Colliers International UK. “We’re pleased to have completed the transaction with Nanak Hotels and look forward to seeing how they develop the asset.”
In February, UK-based Shiva Hotels, led by founder and CEO Rishi Sachdev, secured $372m (£289m) to renovate The BoTree in Marylebone, London. Separately, Indian tech firm Oyo announced a $62m (£48m), three-year plan to expand its UK hotel portfolio by acquiring inventory and securing leasehold and management contracts, supporting 1,000 jobs.