IND vs ENG: R Ashwin withdraws from Rajkot Test due to family emergency

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Rajkot, Feb 16: Star India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing third Test between India and England effective immediately due to a family medical emergency.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) late Friday (February 16) confirmed the development about the 37-year-old leaving the squad to be with his family. Team India is firmly standing behind Ashwin in tough times.

An official release from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed heartfelt solidarity with the esteemed cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their families are of paramount importance.

"The Board respectfully requests privacy for Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this difficult time. In these challenging times, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team fully support Ashwin.

"The BCCI extends its heartfelt support to the champion cricketer and his family. The health and well-being of the players and their loved ones are of utmost importance. The Board requests respect for the privacy of Ashwin and his family as they navigate through this challenging time," the release stated.

The Board and the team will continue to provide any necessary assistance to Ashwin and will keep lines of communication open to offer support as required. Team India appreciates the understanding and compassion shown by fans and media during this sensitive period.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Ashwin's "skill and perseverance" after the senior off-spinner achieved the prestigious milestone of 500 wickets in Test cricket. Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley in the England first innings, becoming the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble (619) to achieve this feat in his 98th game.

"Congratulations to Ravichandran Ashwin on the extraordinary milestone of taking 500 Test wickets! His journey and accomplishments are a testament to his skill and perseverance. My best wishes to him as he scales further peaks," Modi wrote on 'X'.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar hailed Ashwin as a "one-in-a-million" bowler. "500 Test wickets for a one-in-a-million bowler! In AshWIN the SpinNER, there was always a WINNER. 500 wickets is a huge milestone in Test cricket. Congratulations, Champion!" Tendulkar said on the micro-blogging site.

Ashwin's contemporary and fellow off-spinner Nathan Lyon shared a video message expressing his respect for his Indian counterpart. "Hi Ash, just wanted to say, massive congratulations for taking 500 Test match wickets. It's been an incredible journey to watch. I have got nothing but respect for the way you have gone about it. It's been amazing to be competing against you, but also learn from you. Congratulations and plenty more to come," Lyon said.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah praised Ashwin's achievement as an incredible feat. "Hats off to @ashwinravi99 for achieving an incredible feat of securing 500 test wickets. Your outstanding talent and unwavering commitment have left a lasting mark in cricketing history."