Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned over 14 years. The announcement came after the conclusion of the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. Ashwin, who has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, declared that he would no longer represent India in any format of the game but hinted at continuing his journey in domestic and club-level cricket.

Speaking to the press, Ashwin said, “This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I feel I still have a bit left in me as a cricketer, but I want to showcase that at the club level. This is the end of my journey with Indian cricket.” His voice carried a mix of pride and emotion as he reflected on his time in the national team. He thanked his teammates, coaches, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their support throughout his career.

Ashwin shared fond memories of his journey, acknowledging the significant role of his fellow players in his success. He expressed gratitude towards teammates like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who he said had supported him during challenging times. He also credited their brilliant catching around the bat for helping him achieve the remarkable number of wickets in his career. “I’ve had so much fun and created unforgettable memories. Players like Rohit and others have been a big part of my journey. We’ve shared some incredible moments, and I will always cherish those times,” he said.

R Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket

The veteran off-spinner also expressed his respect for the Australian cricket team, acknowledging their competitive spirit and the challenges they posed throughout his career. “I’ve always enjoyed playing against them. They pushed me to be a better cricketer,” Ashwin noted.

While he chose not to take questions from the media, Ashwin admitted that the decision was a highly emotional one. He thanked journalists for their coverage over the years, both good and bad, acknowledging their role in shaping his career narrative. “This is a truly emotional moment. I’m not in the frame of mind to answer questions. Thank you for your support, even when the criticism came. That’s part of our journey, and I respect it,” he said.

Ashwin made it clear that while he was retiring from international cricket, his association with the game would continue. He hinted at playing in leagues like the IPL, where he is currently part of the Chennai Super Kings. Ashwin was bought by CSK for INR 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction and is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season. He also expressed his intent to explore other roles in cricket beyond playing. “I will stay connected to the game because it has given me everything. You’ll see me again, just in a different capacity,” he said.

R Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who was present at the announcement, spoke highly of Ashwin’s contributions to Indian cricket. Rohit described Ashwin as a true champion and highlighted his impact on the team’s success over the years. He also emphasized the need to respect Ashwin’s decision to retire. “Some decisions are very personal, and Ashwin deserves the freedom to make this choice. He has been a match-winner for us for so many years, and we respect his decision. The team stands by him,” Rohit said.

Rohit revealed that Ashwin had been contemplating retirement for some time. He shared how he convinced Ashwin to stay on for the pink-ball Test match in Adelaide, but the spinner had already made up his mind. According to Rohit, Ashwin wanted to step away at a time when he felt his contributions to the team were no longer as impactful as before. “He was very sure about his decision. We had several discussions, and he felt it was the right time to move on. We must respect that,” Rohit added.

Ashwin leaves behind a remarkable legacy. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 matches, second only to Anil Kumble’s 619 wickets. In addition to his bowling achievements, Ashwin also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 3503 runs in Tests, including six centuries and 14 fifties. This rare combination of skill made him one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game.

Ashwin’s international career began in 2010, and he quickly established himself as a key player across formats. He was an integral part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad and delivered consistent performances in both ODIs and T20Is. In ODIs, he picked up 156 wickets in 116 matches, while in T20Is, he claimed 72 wickets in 65 games. However, his appearances in white-ball cricket became limited in recent years, with his last ODI coming in the 2023 World Cup against Australia.

R Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Despite his incredible achievements, Ashwin faced challenges in the later stages of his career. He was not a regular in the playing XI for overseas Tests and struggled during India’s 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand at home. These factors, combined with the demands of international cricket, played a role in his decision to step away from the game.

Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. Fans and teammates will miss his skill, intelligence, and ability to deliver in crucial moments. As one of India’s finest cricketers, Ashwin’s legacy is secure. While his journey with the national team has come to an end, his contributions to Indian cricket will remain etched in history.

The tragic death of Sara Sharif has once again drawn attention to the deep flaws in the child protection system. At just 10 years old, Sara lost her life at the hands of her father and stepmother. This case has raised painful questions about how a system meant to safeguard children continues to fail so profoundly. Despite decades of inquiries, strategies, and reforms, the mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable children often fall short. Sara’s death has become a symbol of these repeated failures, leaving many wondering what, if anything, will change.

The outcry over Sara’s death has been swift and emotional. Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England, called for immediate action, stating: “We can have no more reviews, no more strategies, no more debate. When we say ‘never again,’ we have to mean it—let that be Sara’s legacy.” While this sentiment reflects the frustration and heartbreak many feel, some argue that it oversimplifies a deeply complex issue. Child protection is not a problem that can be solved through slogans or quick fixes. It demands continuous assessment, debate, and adaptation.

Experts in child welfare have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of such calls to action. Dr. David Saltiel, a former social worker and educator, has seen the system struggle with similar tragedies over the years. He recalls other high-profile cases, such as the deaths of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson, which also prompted declarations of “never again.” Yet, years later, children like Sara continue to fall through the cracks. Dr. Saltiel argues that child protection work is inherently complex, and mistakes are inevitable. The key, he says, is to treat decisions as provisional, always open to change as new evidence emerges. Without this approach, the system risks becoming rigid and unresponsive.

One of the significant issues highlighted in Sara’s case is the lack of a robust system for sharing information among professionals. Social workers, teachers, and healthcare providers often struggle to access the data they need to make informed decisions. The children’s commissioner has proposed an integrated system that would allow professionals to share information efficiently and assign each child a reference number for identification. This proposal echoes an earlier system called ContactPoint, which was created in the wake of the 2004 Children Act. That legislation was itself a response to the death of Victoria Climbié, another child who was failed by the system. ContactPoint was designed to streamline information sharing and improve child protection. However, it was dismantled in 2010 due to political decisions, leaving a significant gap in the system.

Critics of the decision to scrap ContactPoint, such as Tony Clamp, who worked on its development, argue that this move left children like Sara more vulnerable. The destruction of the system not only wasted years of work and resources but also removed a crucial tool for safeguarding children. Clamp has called for accountability from those who decided to dismantle the program, including political leaders who prioritized cost-cutting over child safety. This decision is now seen as a missed opportunity to strengthen the child protection framework.

Failures in Protecting Sara Sharif: A Tragic Reality

The family court system has also come under scrutiny in the wake of Sara’s death. Judges, who ultimately decide custody arrangements, often operate under the assumption that maintaining contact with birth relatives is in the child’s best interests. However, this assumption can be dangerously flawed. In Sara’s case, custody was granted to her father, who, along with her stepmother, was later responsible for her death. Diane Johnson, a retired child protection social worker, points out that children are statistically more at risk when living with step-parents. She emphasizes the need for judges to consider the full context of each case and for greater collaboration between police and social workers in investigating abuse.

Beyond systemic failures, Sara’s death raises broader questions about how society values child protection work. Social workers and other frontline professionals often operate in challenging conditions, with limited resources and heavy caseloads. Despite their critical role, they are frequently vilified when tragedies occur. This creates a culture of fear and blame, which can deter talented individuals from entering or staying in the profession. Addressing these issues requires a cultural shift, where child protection work is properly funded and supported.

Following the death of Victoria Climbié, significant reforms were introduced, including the establishment of children’s services departments that combined education and social care functions. However, these structural changes came at a high cost. Local authorities had to create new director roles and offer higher salaries to attract qualified candidates. While these changes were intended to improve collaboration and accountability, they also diverted resources away from frontline services. John Surowiec, a retired deputy director of children’s services, argues that the funds spent on restructuring could have been better used to hire more social workers and improve their pay. This would have had a more direct impact on protecting children like Sara.

The recurring failures in the child protection system are a painful reminder that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility. Governments, courts, and professionals all have a role to play, but so does society as a whole. Ensuring the safety of vulnerable children requires sustained commitment, adequate resources, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. While Sara’s death has prompted fresh calls for reform, many remain skeptical about whether meaningful change will follow. Too often, promises of “never again” have turned out to be hollow. If there is to be any hope of breaking this cycle, the focus must be on action rather than rhetoric.

Sara’s story is a heartbreaking testament to the consequences of systemic failures and societal neglect. Her death should not be in vain. To honor her memory, we must address the root causes of these tragedies and work tirelessly to create a system that truly prioritizes the well-being of children. Only then can we hope to prevent such devastating losses in the future.

Victoria Thomas Bowen, a 25-year-old from Clacton-on-Sea, has been sentenced for throwing a milkshake at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during the general election campaign. The incident occurred on June 4 outside the Moon and Starfish pub in Clacton. Farage had just finished launching his candidacy for the Essex constituency when he was targeted. Bowen admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage during a previous court hearing, and her sentencing was finalized at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The court handed Bowen a 13-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pay a total of £150 in compensation to Farage for the distress caused. Additionally, she must cover £450 in court costs. Bowen was also required to compensate Farage’s security officer, James Woolfenden, with £17.50 for the damage caused to his suit during the milkshake attack. The defendant was further instructed to pay a £154 victim surcharge and complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days as part of her sentence.

The attack left Farage shaken. In a statement read during the court proceedings, he described feeling humiliated by the public nature of the assault. He also expressed concern for his future safety, noting that while this time it was a milkshake, next time it could be something far more harmful. Following the sentencing, Farage took to social media to criticize the outcome, writing, “We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison.”

The incident unfolded while Farage was actively campaigning for the Essex constituency, marking his eighth attempt to secure a seat in the House of Commons. He ultimately succeeded, flipping the constituency and securing an 8,405-vote majority over the Conservative incumbent, Giles Watling, who had held a significant 24,702-vote majority in 2019.

Milkshake Assault on Nigel Farage: Court Verdict

During the court proceedings, the prosecution highlighted the gravity of the offense, especially considering Farage’s public role as a politician. Rebecca Mundy, of the Crown Prosecution Service, stressed that elected officials should feel safe while carrying out their duties, without fear of harm or abuse. She reiterated that threatening or aggressive behavior directed at public figures would not be tolerated.

Bowen initially denied the charges and was scheduled to face trial in October. However, she changed her plea to guilty before the trial commenced. During her police interview, Bowen admitted to targeting Farage because she disagreed with his political views. The prosecution pointed out that such actions, even if politically motivated, have serious consequences.

Bowen’s defense lawyer, Caroline Liggins, spoke about the personal toll the incident had taken on her client. Liggins revealed that Bowen had received numerous threats since the milkshake incident, which had negatively impacted her mental health. Liggins argued that while Bowen’s actions were impulsive, she now fully understands their implications. The defense expressed hope that the public would allow Bowen to move on from the incident, just as she intends to.

The milkshake attack is not the first time Farage has faced such incidents. In 2019, during a campaign event in Newcastle, he was hit with a banana and salted caramel milkshake. The trend of throwing milkshakes at public figures, which became known as “milkshaking,” gained attention that year as a form of protest against controversial political figures. The term was even recognized by the Collins Dictionary. Farage has remained a recurring target, with another incident this year involving a coffee cup and other objects being thrown at him by a man in Barnsley. That individual, Josh Greally, also received a suspended sentence.

Milkshake Assault on Nigel Farage: Court Verdict

Despite the seriousness of the attack, Farage attempted to minimize its impact on his campaign. Later on the same day of the Clacton milkshake incident, he was seen posing with a McDonald’s milkshake in nearby Jaywick. However, in court, Farage made it clear that the incident had left a lasting impression on him. He expressed concerns about the risks public figures face in such polarized times.

The sentencing has sparked discussions about the safety of politicians and the limits of political protest. While some argue that acts like milkshaking are harmless demonstrations of dissent, others see them as crossing a line into intimidation and aggression. The court’s decision to impose a suspended sentence, rather than immediate imprisonment, has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of Farage believe the punishment was too lenient, given the assault’s implications for public safety.

Bowen’s actions and subsequent sentencing highlight the challenges faced by politicians in maintaining their safety while engaging with the public. The case also underscores the importance of civil discourse in political debate. Both the prosecution and the defense acknowledged the need for better safeguards and understanding in an increasingly divided political climate.

The milkshake incident serves as a reminder of the risks public figures face and the consequences of impulsive actions. Bowen now faces a suspended sentence with conditions designed to rehabilitate her while addressing the harm caused. For Farage, the event has left a mark, making him more cautious in his public interactions. The sentencing has also reignited broader debates about respect, accountability, and the role of protest in modern politics.