Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara said players could "only deal with so much" after it was announced England all-rounder Ben Stokes was taking an indefinite break from all forms of cricket to "prioritise his mental well-being".
Stokes, the latest high-profile sports star to step away from the pressure of international competition, has now withdrawn from England's squad ahead of a five-match series against India starting at Trent Bridge next week.
The England and Wales Cricket Board added Friday the 30-year-old World Cup winner was also stepping aside to rest his left index finger.
He had rushed back from injury to lead England in a one-day international series against Pakistan earlier this month after all those originally selected were ruled out by a coronavirus outbreak within the hosts' camp.
Stokes' decision came just days after American superstar gymnast Simone Biles pulled out of two events at the Tokyo Olympics to also protect her mental health.
The 24-year-old's struggles followed those of Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, another face of the Games who lost in the third round on her return from a mental health break, having withdrawn from the French Open and skipped Wimbledon saying she had been battling depression and anxiety.
- 'Very tough time' -
England team managing director Ashley Giles, offering his support to Stokes, said the prolonged impact of playing international cricket in biosecure bubbles during the coronavirus pandemic had been "extremely challenging".
Meanwhile, Sangakkara told Sky Sports: "It must be a very, very tough time for Ben and his family. It won't be a decision made easily but (it) brings into focus the level elite players play at -- your coping mechanism can only deal with so much.
"A lot of time away from home, in bubbles, restrictions in terms of freedom of movement, then the added pressures of performing at such a high level in the public eye.
He added: "We've had a host of elite athletes who've spoken about mental wellbeing and the effects of Covid and the pressure around it, and of course pressure in the limelight, that have led to them making some very tough decisions."
Stokes, who in normal circumstances would be vice-captain to Test skipper Joe Root, is a key figure for England.
In 71 Tests, he has scored 4,631 runs at 37.04 as a dynamic left-handed batsman, including 10 hundreds, and taken 163 wickets at 31.38.
More than raw figures, however, it is his ability to balance the side and above all, turn a game with either bat or ball that makes Stokes such a valuable player.
His stunning unbeaten hundred that saw England to a remarkable one-wicket win in a 2019 Ashes Test at Headingley was one of several match-winning contributions.
As as well as playing under the shadow of Covid-19, the past year has also seen Stokes coping with the death of his father Ged, a former New Zealand rugby league international, from brain cancer.
"I hope he's OK -- he's a fabulous cricketer, one of the best in the world at the moment," said former England batsman Kevin Pietersen.
"He obviously lost his dad, there are a lot of things that have happened to Ben Stokes in the last couple of years."
Stokes' break was announced just hours after the ECB said player welfare was "paramount" ahead of the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia amid concerns some of their side may not make the trip unless coronavirus restrictions currently in force in Australia are relaxed.
In particular, all-format players such as Stokes, a husband and the father of young children, could be separated from their families for up to four months due to the five-Test Ashes series starting just weeks after the November finish of the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Power couple attend Ralph Lauren’s showcase at Madison Avenue
Priyanka dazzles in sheer skirt and structured blazer ensemble
Nick opts for earthy brown tailored look with relaxed flair
The duo join a star-studded front row including Oprah Winfrey and Jessica Chastain
Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas commanded attention as they attended Ralph Lauren’s New York Fashion Week 2025 show on 10 September. Arriving hand-in-hand on Madison Avenue, the pair stopped for photographers before entering the designer’s headquarters. Their appearance at the high-profile event was one of the evening’s most talked-about moments, with Priyanka’s daring outfit and Nick’s understated elegance sparking admiration from fans and onlookers.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas commands NYFW 2025 front row with Mindy Kaling as Nick Jonas looks on proudly Getty Images
What did Priyanka Chopra Jonas wear at New York Fashion Week 2025?
Priyanka opted for a bold yet refined take on power dressing. She paired a sharply tailored grey blazer with a sheer flowing maxi skirt, creating a balance of structure and softness. Instead of a buttoned shirt, she chose to cinch her waist with a wide statement belt, giving her look an edge that stood out on the monochrome-heavy runway backdrop.
Her accessories were deliberately minimal. Delicate hoop earrings and a few rings, while bronzed makeup tones and voluminous, softly waved hair framed her face perfectly. This merge of minimal styling with a high-fashion silhouette reflected her style perfectly, making her one of the evening’s best-dressed attendees.
Nick went for earthy sophistication, donning a relaxed brown suit layered over a crisp white shirt. He added subtle detailing with a patterned tie, matched it with polished brown shoes, and finished off with rimmed sunglasses for a cool, composed vibe.
His tousled curls gave the look a casual softness that contrasted nicely with the tailored suit, making him appear effortlessly stylish beside Priyanka. Their complementary colour palettes, her muted grey tones and his warm browns, created a coordinated yet individualistic statement look.
Nick opts for an earthy brown suit for the event Getty Images
Which celebrities were seen at the Ralph Lauren NYFW show?
The event gathered an impressive front row of fashion and entertainment heavyweights. The couple were seated beside Usher and his wife Jennifer Goicoechea, with industry icons including Oprah Winfrey, Anna Wintour, Jessica Chastain, Naomi Watts, Laura Dern and Gayle King also present.
Also in attendance was Mindy Kaling, who sat in the front row at Ralph Lauren’s intimate Spring 2026 presentation on Madison Avenue. Speaking to AP News, Kaling said the brand symbolised the “American dream” for her immigrant parents, adding that the polo logo felt like “the sign of making it.” Photographers singled her out in roundups of the best front-row style, where she was pictured alongside Oprah Winfrey, Usher and the Jonas couple.
Ralph Lauren unveiled their Spring 2026 collection at the showcase, which featured minimalist silhouettes, oversized jackets, fitted dresses and monochrome palettes. Priyanka’s presence was especially fitting, as she has a long-standing association with the brand, notably wearing a custom Ralph Lauren gown for her wedding to Nick Jonas in 2018.
Mindy Kaling attends the Ralph Lauren show Getty Images
Why does Priyanka Chopra Jonas remain a front-row favourite?
Priyanka’s journey from Bollywood star to Hollywood regular has a lot to do with her consistently strong style choices and a willingness to take risks. Her high-profile international projects, from leading Quantico to starring in Citadel and producing The White Tiger, have cemented her as a global figure, making her an obvious pick for designers looking to spotlight influential personalities on their front rows.
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The commemoration event honoured two South Asian WW2 veterans who died this year, Havildar Major Rajindar Singh Dhatt MBE and Sergeant Mohammad Hussain.
TWO South Asian Second World War veterans were honoured at a commemoration event in London on Wednesday, September 10. The ceremony paid tribute to Havildar Major Rajindar Singh Dhatt MBE and Sergeant Mohammad Hussain, who both died this year.
The event, hosted by British Future and Eastern Eye with support from the Royal British Legion, also launched My Family Legacy, a project to raise awareness of South Asian contributions in the world wars and preserve family stories for future generations.
More than 2.5 million people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka served in the Second World War, forming the largest volunteer army in history. New polling by Focaldata, released alongside the launch, found that only half of the UK public – and fewer than six in ten British Asians – know that Indian soldiers served in the war.
Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, said: “We should never forget what we all owe to those who won the second world war against fascism. South Asian soldiers were the largest volunteer army in history. Ensuring that their enormous contribution is fully recognised in our national story remains important work in progress. My Family Legacy aims to help people to find, document and tell these family stories of courage and contribution, service and sacrifice in the world wars.”
Gail Walters, Director of Network Engagement at the Royal British Legion, said: “Honouring the South Asian soldiers who served in Britain’s World Wars is about remembering their bravery and also gives a fuller picture of our shared history. The service and sacrifice of South Asian soldiers are integral to Britain’s national story and helped build the country we are today.”
Amrit Kaur Dhatt, granddaughter of Havildar Major Dhatt, said: “It is so important to capture stories of Commonwealth and ethnic minority soldiers, like my grandfather’s, because they were left out of mainstream history. I find that even the disparity and awareness between VE and VJ Day remains shockingly significant. But remembering isn’t just about the past. It is about shaping the future. And I fear that today’s society clearly hasn’t learnt enough from history. Baba Ji had always hoped that future generations would never have to see the devastation that they [war veterans] had to endure.”
Ejaz Hussain, granddaughter of Sergeant Hussain, said: “As the last soldiers of the war fade before our eyes, it remains imperative that we capture their stories. We - as a country and a people - are blessed to be here today, enjoying liberty and safety directly because of the sacrifices of those from the greatest generation, of which my grandfather was one.”
Journalist Sangita Myska said: “Honouring the service given by South Asian soldiers is vital to understanding the intertwined and complex relationship forged by our forebears with Britain.”
Actor Adil Ray OBE said: “This is the greatest war story that’s never been told. Millions of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs from India, today’s Pakistan and Bangladesh fought two world wars, fighting for our freedom. We owe everything to Major Dhatt and Sergeant Hussain and their fellow soldiers. Their history is our history.”
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£1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit
The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure runs at Hampton Court Palace from 25 July to 7 September 2025
Trail includes interactive games, riddles and character encounters across the gardens
Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit in the Kitchen Garden
Special themed menu items available at the Tiltyard Café
£1 tickets available for families receiving Universal Credit and other benefits
Peter Rabbit comes to life at Hampton Court
This summer, families visiting Hampton Court Palace can step into the world of Beatrix Potter as The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure takes over the palace gardens from 25 July to 7 September 2025.
Explore the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and WildernessHRP
The family trail, officially licensed by Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co., combines the palace’s historic gardens with the much-loved tales of Beatrix Potter. Visitors will encounter interactive activities, puzzles and games while exploring the Kitchen Garden, Tiltyard and Wilderness.
Interactive activities and wildlife learning
Along the trail, children can try Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s washing equipment to make music, search for Peter Rabbit under wheelbarrows, or test their hopping skills alongside Beatrix Potter’s characters.
The experience also highlights Potter’s role as a committed environmentalist. Young visitors are encouraged to look for real wildlife such as hedgehogs, squirrels and toads while learning about habitats and conservation in the palace grounds.
Children can meet a larger-than-life Peter Rabbit HRP
Meet Peter Rabbit and enjoy themed treats
Peter Rabbit himself will make appearances in the Kitchen Garden at set times each day, where families can take photos among the seasonal produce. Fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the gardens will feature in special Peter Rabbit™ menu items at the Tiltyard Café.
After completing the trail, children can also explore the Magic Garden playground or visit Henry VIII’s Kitchens inside the palace, where live cookery demonstrations take place each weekend.
Tickets and access
The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure is included in general admission:
Off-peak (weekdays and bank holidays): Adults £27.20, Children (5–15) £13.60, Concessions £21.80
Peak (weekends and events): Adults £30.00, Children £15.00, Concessions £24.00
HRP Members go free
Families in receipt of Universal Credit and other means-tested benefits can access £1 tickets throughout the summer (advance booking required).
Membership offers unlimited visits to Hampton Court Palace and other Historic Royal Palaces sites, including seasonal events such as the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival and Henry VIII’s Joust.
For more details and booking, visit
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Modi’s ruling coalition nominated Radhakrishnan, 68, who is the governor of the western state of Maharashtra, as its candidate for the post.
INDIAN lawmakers elected CP Radhakrishnan, a former parliamentarian from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the country’s new vice president on Tuesday. The election comes more than a month after the previous vice president resigned.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, whose term was to end in 2027, stepped down in July, citing health reasons.
Federal lawmakers voted in a secret ballot on Tuesday to elect the vice president, as required by the constitution.
Modi’s ruling coalition nominated Radhakrishnan, 68, who is the governor of the western state of Maharashtra, as its candidate for the post.
Radhakrishnan was widely expected to win because of the support the BJP and its allies have in parliament. He received 452 of the 752 valid preferential votes cast, according to PC Mody, secretary-general of the upper house of parliament.
Opposition parties nominated B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, as their candidate. Reddy received 300 votes.
The vice president holds the second-highest constitutional office in India and serves as the chair of the upper house of parliament. The vice president also acts as president if there is a temporary vacancy.
The president and vice president are largely ceremonial posts, while executive powers remain with the prime minister and cabinet.
(With inputs from agencies)
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JK Rowling sparks outrage with AI-generated video called transphobic by critics
Author slammed for posting anti-trans message with bizarre AI-generated gibberish
Social media users mockingly suggest black mould exposure is behind her behaviour
Rowling continues to face criticism from Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson
Online debate intensifies over her use of AI to push anti-trans views
JK Rowling is facing renewed online heat after sharing a transphobic post filled with Artificial Intelligence-generated gibberish, sparking ridicule across social media. Alongside slamming her views, many netizens bizarrely linked her behaviour to black mould exposure, a theory that resurfaced after earlier online jokes about her home environment. The Harry Potter author’s use of AI in this context has added a new layer to the controversy.
JK Rowling sparks outrage with AI-generated video called transphobic by critics Getty Images
What did JK Rowling post with AI?
On 8 September, Rowling uploaded a six-second clip on X, claiming that “gender identity ideology is homophobic.” The video began with a tweet from Dr Helen Webberley of GenderGP, followed by distorted AI-generated images resembling a comment section but filled with jumbled letters and gibberish. The visuals with a typing sound effect left many confused.
She captioned the post: “Tell me again how gender identity ideology isn’t homophobic. Would you trust this UK doctor… to be sympathetic to a young girl who’s attracted to other girls?”
The video quickly spread online, with users mocking the author for relying on artificial intelligence to back her arguments. One post read: “Kinda pathetic having to use AI to make up reasons to be hateful towards others.”
— (@)
Why are people blaming black mould?
The backlash also revived a long-running social media joke about black mould in Rowling’s house. In 2024, eagle-eyed users noticed what appeared to be mould on her wall in a profile picture, sparking widespread memes linking her anti-trans stance to potential neurological effects of mould exposure.
This theory resurfaced after her AI post, with comments such as: “How much mould do I need to understand this?” and “Did the mould tell you this was real, or do you think AI fakes are real?” While clearly satirical, the “mould theory” has become a shorthand way for critics to ridicule the writer’s increasingly controversial online presence.
— (@)
How have fans and Harry Potter stars responded?
Rowling’s anti-trans views have long divided fans of the Harry Potter franchise. Many of the actors who rose to fame through the films have publicly disagreed with her stance. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all expressed support for the trans community, distancing themselves from Rowling’s repeated comments.
This latest episode only deepened the rift between Rowling and sections of her fanbase, many of whom see her use of AI as an escalation in her campaign against trans rights.
Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson distance themselves from Rowling’s commentsGetty Images
Has JK Rowling faced this kind of backlash before?
Yes. Since 2020, Rowling has made multiple posts criticising gender identity, each triggering major backlash. She has defended her stance as protecting women’s rights, but critics say her rhetoric fuels transphobia.
Her frequent use of social media for these debates has meant that Rowling, once best known as a children’s book author, now trends more often for her views on gender than for her literary work. The latest AI clip only adds to this trend, shifting focus from her books to her online persona.