England's Test coach Brendon McCullum views Ben Stokes' abrupt decision to retire from ODIs as an "absolute positive" but is not sure if this would become a trend for other players, given cricket's taxing schedule.
The 2019 Word Cup final hero Ben Stokes on Monday made a surprise announcement to retire from the 50-over format, saying playing three formats has become "unsustainable" for him.
"Yeah of course I am," McCullum told SENZ Breakfast when asked if he was happy with Stokes' decision.
He was asked if Stokes' move could become a trend for other players around the world.
"There are not too many all-format players," the former New Zealand captain said.
"He's probably in a luxurious position that he's able to do that, but also with the demands of the schedules and with his heightened schedule as Test captain, it would've become too much. He also has a young family and there's a lot going on.
"I don't know if it's symbolic of where the game itself is at around the globe, but I see it as an absolute positive, to be honest.
"I'm looking forward to being able to spend even more time with 'Stokesy' trying to get this thing cracking."
It came as a shock to many given his age -- he is only 31 -- but McCullum looked at Stokes's one-day retirement differently.
"Obviously we would've loved to see Ben Stokes playing in three forms of the game, he's an out-and-out superstar and we've seen what he's been able to achieve, but sometimes things have to give way and I look at it as a positive that he's going to have the time to really immerse himself in the Test side."
Stokes' ODI career will forever be remembered for his Player-of-the-Match performance in the World Cup final against New Zealand at the Lord's three years ago.
His unbeaten 84 helped to send the match into a Super Over as England claimed their first 50-over World Cup title in the most thrilling of circumstances.
McCullum said, "Stokes is the skipper of our Test side and the job that I've seen him do with this team in a very short period of time really excites me about what he can do with this side, particularly now that he'll have more available time rather than jumping from series to series to series.
"I guess England's a slightly different set-up to most other world cricket teams because they play a lot of cricket, they're a wanted commodity around the world and they're able to generate such a fan following and also the financial returns that the game requires to support 16 Counties and the big organisation that is English cricket."
Stokes, who succeeded Joe Root as England's Test captain, scored 2919 runs in 104 ODIs and took 74 wickets.
McCullum was happy that Stokes quit one of the white-ball formats to focus on the traditional format.
"I also think it's a real mark of respect of the man that he's sort of bucking the trend of the short version of the game and actually trying to focus on what he sees as a huge task trying to get Test cricket back to the levels, or even exceed the levels, that it's had in the past.
"I think it's a noble play from him," McCullum said.
Relatives mourn after receiving the dead body of a victim who was killed in a stampede that broke out during a campaign rally last evening in the Karur district, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, on September 28, 2025. (Photo by AFP) (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
A STAMPEDE that killed dozens at a south India political rally happened after a crowd of thousands waited hours in baking heat without sufficient safeguards, officials and witnesses said on Sunday (28) .
Some 27,000 people thronged a public road in Tamil Nadu state in hopes of seeing popular actor-turned-politician Vijay on Saturday (27), but panic broke out and 39 were killed, authorities said.
Witnesses cited hours of delays, insufficient police presence and people falling from a tree branch onto the audience as contributing to the tragedy.
Vijay, known by one name, was addressing the rally when the crowds surged suddenly, forcing him to halt his speech in Karur district.
Videos on social media showed him tossing water bottles to supporters shortly before the panic broke out.
"My heart is shattered at this tragedy," the 51-year-old star said in a statement.
State chief minister M K Stalin told reporters on Sunday that 39 people had died, raising an earlier toll of 36.
Nine children were among the dead, he added, announcing a judicial enquiry into the disaster.
State police chief G Venkataraman said crowds had been waiting for hours under hot sun without sufficient food and water after the public was informed that Vijay would arrive at the venue by noon.
"The crowds started coming in from 11 am (local time). He came at 7.40 pm. The people lacked sufficient food and water under the hot sun," he told reporters.
He added 10,000 people were expected but some 27,000 turned up.
Vijay launched his own party in 2024 and has drawn huge crowds at campaign events ahead of state elections due next year.
"I was pushed down by the crowd all of a sudden. There was absolutely no space to move," B Kanishka, a survivor, told the Hindu newspaper. "I subsequently fainted."
Others said poor organisation and an hours-long wait left people restless before the situation spiralled dangerously out of control.
Karthick, a survivor, told the publication that the situation could have been prevented "if people were not forced to wait for hours together".
"Poor planning and execution of the programme and lack of police personnel at the spot were also the reason," he said.
The Indian Express newspaper said panic spread after supporters who had climbed onto a tree branch fell onto the crowd below.
In January, 30 people were killed in a crush at a major religious fair, and last year 121 died during a Hindu prayer meeting in Uttar Pradesh.
In July last year, 121 people were killed in northern Uttar Pradesh state during a Hindu religious gathering.
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The meeting lasted for about one hour and 20 minutes. (Photo: X/@DerekJGrossman)
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump met Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House to discuss bilateral ties.
Speaking to reporters after signing executive orders on Thursday, Trump said, “In fact, we have a great leader coming, the prime minister of Pakistan coming, and the field marshal (of) Pakistan. Field marshal is a very great guy and so is the prime minister, both. And they're coming.”
This was the first formal bilateral meeting between Trump and Sharif. The last Pakistani leader to meet Trump was Imran Khan in July 2019 during Trump’s first term.
Sharif is in the US for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and will address the General Debate on Friday.
The Oval Office meeting in Washington DC was also attended by vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio, according to a statement from the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The PMO said the meeting was held in a “pleasant atmosphere”.
The meeting, closed to the press, was scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm (local time) but started about 30 minutes later due to Trump’s engagements. It lasted for about one hour and 20 minutes. Photos released later showed Sharif and Munir speaking with Trump, who posed with his thumbs up during a group photo.
Sharif and Trump had earlier met in New York on Tuesday at a multilateral meeting the US president held with leaders from Arab nations and others, including Egypt, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
Radio Pakistan had reported that the White House talks were expected to cover matters of mutual interest as well as regional and global developments. Sharif arrived at the White House at 4.52 pm and was received by senior US officials. His motorcade left at 6.18 pm, according to the White House pool.
After signing the executive orders, Trump told reporters he had “stopped seven wars”. He repeated the same at the UNGA. Pakistan has nominated Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing “decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership during the recent India-Pakistan crisis”.
On May 10, Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington. Since then, he has repeated nearly 50 times that he “helped settle” tensions between the two countries.
India, however, has maintained that the agreement to cease hostilities was reached through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of the two sides.
The last Pakistani prime minister to visit the White House was Imran Khan in 2019. Before that, Nawaz Sharif visited in 2015.
Pakistan and the US were Cold War allies and worked together in Afghanistan against the USSR and later militancy. Their ties weakened over differences on the Afghan Taliban. The relationship reached a low when the US killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011.
The two countries have now signed a trade agreement under which Pakistani imports will face a 19 per cent tariff. The US will also assist in developing Pakistan’s oil reserves.
According to official figures, US goods and services trade with Pakistan was USD 10.1 billion in 2024, up 6.3 per cent (USD 523.0 million) from 2023. The total goods trade was USD 7.2 billion.
US goods exports to Pakistan in 2024 were USD 2.1 billion, up 3.3 per cent (USD 67.2 million) from 2023. Imports from Pakistan were USD 5.1 billion, up 4.8 per cent (USD 233.9 million). The US goods trade deficit with Pakistan was USD 3 billion in 2024, a 5.9 per cent increase (USD 166.7 million) from 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)
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ONS said population growth was fastest in England at 1.2 per cent, compared with 0.7 per cent in Scotland, 0.6 per cent in Wales and 0.4 per cent in Northern Ireland. (Photo: Getty Images)
UK population grew by 755,300 to 69.3 million in the year to mid-2024
Net international migration accounted for 98 per cent of growth
Births exceeded deaths by 16,239, but natural change was negative in Scotland and Wales
Net migration has since declined to 431,000, ONS figures show
THE UK population grew by 755,300 in the year to mid-2024, reaching an estimated 69.3 million, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This was the second-largest annual increase in more than 75 years, driven mainly by immigration.
Net international migration accounted for 98 per cent of the growth. An estimated 1,235,254 people immigrated to the UK, while 496,536 emigrated, resulting in net migration of 738,718. Births exceeded deaths by 16,239, with 662,148 births and 645,909 deaths recorded.
ONS said population growth was fastest in England at 1.2 per cent, compared with 0.7 per cent in Scotland, 0.6 per cent in Wales and 0.4 per cent in Northern Ireland. Natural change was negative in Scotland and Wales, where deaths outnumbered births. The proportion of people aged 65 and over continued to rise across the UK.
The ONS noted that net migration has since declined, with updated data showing it fell to 431,000 last year. The reduction was linked to fewer non-EU nationals arriving on work and study visas and more departures of people with study-related visas.
Nigel Henretty of the ONS said: “The UK population has increased each year since mid-1982. The rate of population increase has been higher in recent years, and the rise seen in the year to mid-2024 represents the second largest annual increase in numerical terms in over 75 years. Net international migration continues to be the main driver of this growth, continuing the long-term trend seen since the turn of the century.”
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said: “The Labour government are continuing the Boriswave and our lives are all getting poorer because of it. Only Reform will control our borders.”
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Incidents included kicking a young boy in the face
Nursery worker Roksana Lecka abused 21 babies across two nurseries
Abuse included kicking, pinching, and scratching children
Parents report lasting trauma and increased caution with childcare
Abuse uncovered through CCTV
Families of 21 babies in southwest London have described the “horrifying” experience of seeing CCTV footage showing their children being abused. The perpetrator, 22-year-old nursery worker Roksana Lecka, was employed at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham and Little Munchkins in Hounslow.
Incidents included kicking a young boy in the face, pinching children repeatedly, pushing babies headfirst over cots, and covering toddlers’ mouths when they cried. Several children were left with bruises and scratches, causing parents long-term concern.
Negligence and substance use
Investigations revealed that Lecka smoked cannabis before shifts and vaped near young children. Parents reported her showing “total disregard” for the safety of the children under her care. The abuse took place between October 2023 and June 2024.
Detectives discovered the pattern of abuse after she was sent home from Riverside Nursery for pinching children and appearing “flustered.” Subsequent CCTV review revealed the full scale of the assaults.
Impact on families
Parents described the trauma of watching their children suffer and the ongoing effects on their wellbeing. Several children experienced sleep problems and separation anxiety, while parents reported feeling mistrustful of childcare services.
One mother said: “I cannot get over how an adult could have done that to a child. My biggest worry is that my son will think that’s something adults do to children. It will live with me forever knowing that my son and 20 other children had to go through this.”
The closure of Riverside Nursery forced parents to find alternative childcare, often at significant financial and emotional cost.
Legal proceedings and sentencing
Lecka admitted seven counts of cruelty to a person under 16 and was convicted of a further 14 counts by a jury at Kingston Crown Court. The case highlighted the need for accountability and stricter safeguards in early years settings.
Senior crown prosecutor Gemma Burns said: “Lecka repeatedly showed exceptional cruelty in her treatment of these babies. She was placed in a position of trust and instead caused lasting harm.”
Calls for reform
Local MP Munira Wilson emphasised the importance of ensuring children’s safety in nurseries. She called for no-notice Ofsted inspections, mandatory CCTV reviews, and stronger safeguarding measures.
“Every parent should know their child is safe when left at nursery,” she said, urging immediate reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
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Tony Matharu (second from right) with Asian Media Group Managing Editor Kalpesh Ramniklal Solanki (R) and Executive Editor Shailesh Solanki (L)
AN INFLUENTIAL London hotelier won the top prize at the second annual Eastern Eye Property Awards in London on Thursday (25) night.
Tony Matharu is the founder and chairman of Integrity International Group, which has acquired some of London’s most iconic buildings, among them Atlas House near the Guildhall, the Crescent Buildings in Tower Hill and 55 Broadway and Albany House.
Matharu was named Eastern Eye’s property developer of the year, along with nine other winners across different categories.
He was praised for his business achievements as well as philanthropy, sport and community engagement.
In all, 10 prizes were presented at the event at Park Plaza, Riverbank, hosted by the Asian Media Group, publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat news weeklies.
Now in their second year, the awards celebrate and recognise key players in the property industry – from developers and financial lenders to interior designers and technology disruptors.
Matharu also took part in a masterclass with compere Nihal Arthanayake and discussed his views on the UK economy and prospects for real estate in the country. Among other winners were OakNorth, named Eastern Eye bank of the year.
Since its launch in 2015, it has lent more than $16 billion to scale-ups, and been instrumental in creating 56,000 jobs and helping build 34,000 new homes across the UK and US, the majority in affordable and social housing. OakNorth was co-founded by Asian businessman Rishi Khosla and Joel Perlman.
Baroness Sharon Taylor speaks during the event
Chief guest Baroness Sharon Taylor, minister for housing, communities and local government said, "Britain is a proudly diverse country. We're all proud of that. As business leaders, your work has been absolutely vital in rebuilding Britain."
"The UK was the fastest growing economy in the G7 in the first half of this year. Now, we're not going to reverse a decade of stagnant growth at the flick of a switch, but there are some very important signs of recovery."
She added, "Our mission signals our commitment to the country and to the market, and that we are serious about solving the housing crisis. We can't do that unless we work in partnership with the housing industry."
Lord Ahmed highlighted the defining characteristics of British Asians at the event, stressing their hospitality, hard work driven by "determined, ambitious, aspirational parents," and natural affinity for property investment.
He described how "property ownership very much is within the British Asian DNA," noting that when buildings become available, "chances are one of our communities has already made an offer."
The peer praised the community's contributions across sectors, from pharmacies that "dispense wisdom" alongside prescriptions, to builders and developers who have "contributed to building communities" and "built futures."
Addressing recent social tensions, he acknowledged conversations about "racial slurs and bigotry that we thought rightly had been put in the dustbin of history" but insisted Britain remains resilient. He declared: "We are not defined by one community alone. Tonight demonstrates that we are not defined by one race alone."
Prideview Group, which successfully competed 76 high value transactions in 2024, won Eastern Eye advisor of the year. Its deals in the London region were estimated to be worth £250 million.
One of India’s leading banks scooped the prize for Eastern Eye commercial lender of the year.
State Bank of India UK, with 11 branches across the country, works with its clients on serving their commercial property financing requirements.
The Eastern Eye rising star award went to Sachinkumar Gupta, director of Property Hub Limited, for building on his previous travel enterprise and diversifying to serve them with property-related services.
Oraanj Interior Design, which has transformed homes, offices, restaurants and hotels, won Eastern Eye Interior Designer of the Year.
Founder Rachana Gupta’s company offers clients a range of services, from space planning to custom furniture and landscape design.
Manni Chopra of the Chopra Property Group scooped the Eastern Eye property entrepreneur of the year award.
Along with her husband, Romey, she runs The Chopra Property Group, finding unloved properties and executing conversions and developments using their own and private investor funds.
Other winners were Paresh Raja of Market Financial Solutions, who won the Eastern Eye Award for disruptor of the year, Valos, named Eastern Eye technology company of the year and Aldermore Bank, which won the Eastern Eye Specialist Lender Award.