Uttar Pradesh Elections: Chandrashekhar Azad to contest against Yogi Adityanath in Gorakhpur 2
Prominent Dalit face Chandra Shekhar Azad will fight the Uttar Pradesh assembly election from Gorakhpur Sadar seat, his Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) announced on Thursday.
Gorakhpur Sadar is the seat from where the BJP has fielded UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
“Taking forward the ideology of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and Kanshiram sahib for ‘Bahujan Hitaay – Bahujan Sukhaay’, the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshiram) announced Chandra Shekhar Aazad as a candidate from Gorakhpur Sadar (322) seat,” the party said in a statement on social media.
ASP (K)’s national core committee member Mohammad Aqib confirmed the development to PTI. He said the registered name of the party is Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram). The 35-year-old lawyer-turned-activist had co-founded the Dalit rights outfit Bhim Army and he is its national president.
He launched the ASP (K) in March 2020 and is the party president. Gorakhpur Sadar goes to the polls on March 3 during the sixth phase of elections in UP. The results will be declared on March 10.
Azad was until recently in talks with the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party for a tie-up to contest the polls but was offered only two seats by it.
Feeling thus shortchanged, Aazad had on Tuesday said his party would no longer approach the SP for the alliance as it was a matter of “self-respect”, but added he was open to finding new allies for the polls.
The flamboyant leader has often said his fight is against the ideology of the BJP and the RSS.
BJP announces list of 34 candidates for Goa Assembly polls, Parrikar's son denied ticket 4
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday announced 34 candidates for the upcoming Goa Assembly elections. Notably, Utpal Parrikar, son of late Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s name is not on the list.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will contest from Sanquelim, while Deputy CMManohar Ajgaonkarwill contest from Margaon.
BJP announces 34 candidates for the upcoming #GoaElections
CM Pramod Sawant to contest from Sanquelim and Deputy CM Manohar Ajgaonkar from Margao pic.twitter.com/ErC2GM6va4
Sitting MLA from Panjim has been given the ticket while Utpal Parrikar, son of late former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was offered other alternatives but he refused the first one. Talks on with him. We feel he should agree, Devendra Fandvais said. This information was given by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a press conference today.
Goa will go to the assembly polls on February 14. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.
Interview | "I do not want voters to vote based on religion or caste" – BJP leader Savio Rodrigues 6
Savio Rodrigues, a BJP leader from Goa shared his views on the upcoming Goa Assembly Polls 2022, with our editor-in-chief, Vaidehi Taman, the excerpts are as follows:
What are the challenges to BJP in the forthcoming elections?
Unemployment post-COVID crisis. Restarting mining. Tourism impetus. Infrastructure to boost economic activities while balancing ecological sensitivities.
How do you analyse elections in the present situation?
Our aim is to win the people of Goa. There could be a few that might talk about the anti-incumbency factor but I believe the work of BJP over the last 10-years has been appreciated and people will repose their faith in a BJP-led government.
Can Shiv Sena dent BJP, by sharing votes?
Shiv Sena is a car without a number plate or air in its tyres in Goa. They have no standing in Goa.
Who has a stronghold on Goa other than BJP?
Traditionally Congress they have failed so far to recalibrate its strength and voter confidence. But AAP has made good inroads in 5 to 6 constituencies in the state.
What are the biggest achievements of the BJP?
BJP has had several crowns to their heads in the last ten years especially when the Late Manohar Parrikar took his vision ahead. Infrastructure to cater to future economic activity has been a core focus of the government and I believe in the years ahead it will reshape the socio-economic destiny of Goa.
Is the beef ban being applicable to Goa, amid the topic of saving cows?
Beef is not banned in Goa. Cow slaughter was banned in 1978 under the MGP government. Cow slaughter has been regulated under the Goa Meat Complex to keep illegal cow slaughter under control. So, the beef ban propaganda is just that propaganda.
Goa is a tourist place, it is known for drugs and gambling, what BJP has done to make it drugs free?
Drugs and gambling are a portrayal of Goa by Bollywood and some sections of the media. Drugs are a menace across India and not just in Goa. Goa Police has been cracking down on the drug menace and it will continue to do so. Casinos in Goa is a legitimate economic activity. It has been positioned as a tourism activity and contributes to Goa economy. Illegal gambling in Goa has been illegal tackles effectively by the Goa Police.
Goa Tourism has much more to offer than the image of drugs and gambling. Tourism in Goa is also spiritual, ecological and village-based.
What is your personal experience with BJP as one of the party workers?
I have just joined the BJP but the Late Manohar Parrikar has been my mentor for the last decade, so I have always been connected with the BJP style of politics. My idea of nationalism resonates with the idea of nationalism of BJP. My commitment is to take forward Mr Parrikar’s vision of a Better Goa and strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission of a Better India.
What are your personal plans for making Goa a safe and better place?
My focus is Employment, Enterprise, Economy, Ecological and Empowerment. My aim is to empower women and youth in my constituency and Goa.
Why unemployment is a bigger issue in Goa?
We need to encourage entrepreneurship and economic activity to spur forth jobs in the private sector. We need to stop selling this dependency on government jobs and encourage Young Goa towards creating economic activity and thus creating jobs.
Where do BJP lack and what is party strength?
BJP can certainly do better. We must ensure that people from all 40 constituencies benefit from the BJP government. Our strength is the legacy of Late Manohar Parrikar and the belief people in Goa have in Prime Minister Modi.
Your message for Goa voters?
I do not want voters to vote based on religion or caste. Vote for me or any candidate based on the integrity, education, and plan of the candidate.
Goa Elections 2022: Close fight between BJP and Congress but Congress alone can't make it to power 8
With less than a month remaining for Assembly elections in Goa, the political spectators feel the Congress may upset BJP’s plans for retaining power in the coastal state, but appear less enthused about Trinamool Congress, whose entry has added colour to the poll campaign
Congress may pull around 22 of the 40 Assembly seats, while the BJP will garner around 15 plus seats. Many good leaders left BJP due to their internal conflicts.
After Shiv Sena announced an alliance with NCP; Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told Afternoon Voice, “Our talks with Congress failed but we have announced an alliance with NCP; out of ten seats our Shiv Sena-NCP alliance is expected to win at least two seats.”
When asked if there is any chance of a post-election alliance like Maharashtra, Raut said “the probabilities can’t be denied”. He further said, “Congress has bright chances that they would need some additional seats that the alliance can fulfil.”
Savio Rodrigues, BJP worker Goa said, “It would be a closely fought election. BJP will cross the 35%-mark, opinion polls predicted that BJP may secure 18- 22, Congress 7-10seats; AAP gets 5-6 and MGP and TMC around 1 to 3 seats. The opponents and opposition won’t be collaborating this time; BJP deposits 35 to 38% of Votes share closing 40. If there was a fight between us and Congress the picture would be different. If NCP and Shiv Sena don’t align, it’s a win-win for BJP. Employment challenge and mining adversity are our key-areas of concentration.”
Yusuf Khan, Goa Bulletin Hindi News CEO said, “Actually, AAP may help the BJP to retain power. Most of the AAP voters are Congress voters who would have otherwise voted for Congress. Much of the support for the party seems to be coming from Christians of South Goa. Considering that the assembly constituencies are very small, even a few hundred votes can decide the winner. Congress, AAP, local players MGP and GFP might all fight for their electoral positions handing a comfortable victory to the BJP. Congress has a strong chance of gaining power in the state. But most of the early opinion polls have given significant leads to the BJP.”
“The Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) is likely to win 3 to 4 seats, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will bag three to four seats,” the local political analyst said. He attributed the poll prospects of MGP, which came into prominence under the leadership of Goa’s first chief minister Dayanand Bandodkar, to its alliance with the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC. “On its own, MGP may have fared very badly. But TMC’s monetary clout will help it,” Khan added.
Former State Election Commissioner Prabhakar Timblo said Congress will form the next government in the coastal state. “Anti-incumbency is very high in the state, and that will work against the BJP,” he added. The grand old party will win around 20-22 seats, Timblo said.
“Congress will do well as long as it does not project those who have crossed their expiry date in politics in these elections,” he added. Timblo was emphatic that neither TMC nor AAP will have much of an impact in the February 14 elections,” Timblo further added.
Giriraj Pai Vernekar, a political analyst and a BJP sympathizer, said, “BJP is not afraid of anti-incumbency as people know that a double-engine government is necessary to continue the state’s development. Otherwise, there is a confrontation between the Centre and the state, as in the case of West Bengal.”
Durgadas Kamat, General Secretary of Goa Forward Party (GFP), which has a pre-poll alliance with Congress said, “The alliance will be victorious. There is a groundswell against the BJP and in favour of Congress and GFP as people know we can give a good and honest government.”
AAP Goa unit convener Rahul Mhambrey said, “Arvind Kejriwal-led party is projecting “young and clean faces. People have seen the Delhi model of development. We will emulate it here.”
Mhambrey further stated, “There is also talk of a grand alliance of all opposition parties that could effectively avoid the split of the traditional Congress votes in many constituencies and cause concern for the ruling BJP. However, nothing concrete has emerged on that front so far.”
In the last few months, many posters featuring Mamata Banerjee’s photo and the slogan ‘Goenchi Navi Sakal’ (Goa’s new dawn) have been put across the state.TMC MPs Mahua Moitra and Derek O’Brien are leading the party’s campaign in Goa.
AAP entered Goa’s political scene during the 2017 Assembly elections and tried to build a base in the coastal state. In the 2017 Goa Assembly polls, BJP won only 13 seats while Congress won in 17 constituencies. However, BJP staked claim to form the government with the support of 3 MGP MLAs, 3 GFP MLAs, two Independents and an NCP MLA under the leadership of Parrikar who resigned as defence minister to return to the coastal state.
Goa Legislative Assembly Election 2022 - All about the coalition government 10
The BJP in Goa has seen many exits as it gears up for the state assembly elections on February 14. This is a season of migration across all parties. People do switch sides to get a ticket. Win-ability is the key for any party. Voters also don’t care about ideology and principles anymore. They are settled on electing turncoats. It is all about numbers and who can garner maximum votes based on caste, creed, and money power. We are decades away from seeing voters voting on real issues bothering them (Roads, jobs, economy, connectivity, water, education, industries). This can only be done through conscious responsiveness among citizens.
Whereas Congress has emerged with a new spirit, this time they are confident of winning elections. Voters are upset with BJP due to alleged corruption, unemployment, and survival issues. TMC, NCP-Shiv Sena geared up to support Congress to hold on to power. Elections will be held in Goa on 14 February 2022 to elect 40 members of the Goa Legislative Assembly. The votes will be counted and the results will be declared on 10 March 2022.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced senior advocate Amit Palekar as its chief ministerial face for Goa ahead of the upcoming elections. Palekar belongs to the Bhandari community in Goa, which is one of the largest voter bases in the coastal state. Incidentally, last year, the Bhandari Samaj in Goa had made it clear that it would extend its support to any political party that would declare its chief ministerial candidate from its community.
Indian National Congress has Digambar Kamat as its face, Goa Forward Party led by Vijai Sardesai, Aam Aadmi Party’s face is Amit Palekar, there is also an Independent Chandrakant Shetye, Mahua Moitra is looking after All India Trinamool Congress campaign, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party has Sudin Dhavalikar. Nationalist Congress Party banks on Jose Philip D’Souza, Shiv Sena has Jitesh Kamat, Communist Party of India relies on R. D. Mangeshkar, and Revolutionary Goans Party gave control to Manoj Parab
With Palekar now being proposed as its CM face, the AAP has played a strategic move to woo the Bhandari community. After joining AAP, Palekar came into the limelight when he went on an indefinite hunger strike at Old Goa, an important heritage, and sacred site, in whose close vicinity an alleged illegal construction was going on sans permission. Palekar continued his hunger strike till the local panchayat revoked all alleged illegal permissions granted to the construction though the structure is yet to be demolished. Palekar’s young daughter offering a glass of water to her father as he broke his fast was an instant hit all over, with the AAP considering it the first major win against the ruling BJP government.
When Palekar joined AAP on October 21, 2021, he said the party’s ideology was very similar to what he believed in and hence, it wasn’t very difficult to join forces. Though Palekar claims he doesn’t hail from a political background, his mother has been the sarpanch of Merces village for 10 years. Palekar, who hails from the St. Cruz constituency, recently tried exposing an alleged job recruitment scam at the state-run Goa Medical College (GMC) at Bambolim. He challenged Goa Health Minister and BJP leader Vishwajeet Rane to an open debate. Palekar alleged that almost ninety per cent of the job recruitments at the GMC were based on recruitment of incompetent staff, either via favouritism or bribery. This move too brought him significant attention. Palekar was also one of the litigants who had approached the Bombay High Court (Goa Bench) when 47 people lost their lives due to an alleged short supply of oxygen during the second wave of Covid-19. Shortly after, the government was forced to intervene. He, along with a charitable organization, donated 185 medical beds to the GMC.
The Congress has only three MLAs in Goa. Key political parties, the Shiv Sena and the NCP had offered to support the Congress in its difficult times. But Congress is thinking they can do better on their own whereas it cannot cross the single-digit mark if it contests alone. Sanjay Raut, who is known to be the man behind the making of Maha Vikas Aghadi held a dialogue with AICC in charge of Goa Dinesh Gundurao, CLP leader Digambar Kamat and Goa Congress chief Girish Chodankar and had placed a proposal that the Congress contest on 30 of the 40 Assembly seats and leave the rest for its allies, but the talks gone futile as Congress was not ready to settle on said proposal.
BJP is more focused on the Uttar Pradesh elections than the Goa elections. AAP is focusing only on Goa and Punjab elections. Last time, the Congress party got 17 seats and the BJP won 13 seats. Congress party was in majority, but unable to form a government in Goa. BJP came to power with alliance support. This time Congress has a good chance to win, however, if Congress fails to form a government this time, then it would be their last nail in the coffin.
AAP will fail due to a variety of reasons and for the same reason, they failed last time. Goan Christians don’t stand as a vote bank, unlike the Muslims in most of the states. Last time BJP performed better in Christian dominated areas while congress did better in Hindu majority areas, and even the incumbent CM of BJP lost his seat.
Caste politics is not that prevalent like in other states but it does matter to some extent. Congress has done a balanced job by putting Brahmin and OBC leadership forward, unlike the last time when they put up the face of Christian leaders. However, the pre-poll alliance will also be a deciding factor. BJP won’t have any alliance partner because they poached the MLAs of both MGP and Goa forward party.
Goa has a regional identity of its own and national parties like BJP had to work for years to be successful here. Even congress took its time in the beginning. There’s a mix of caste, religious and regional identity but it’s unlike Bihar or Bengal. Let us see what voters decide and who they chose as their rulers.
On February 1, the budget will be presented in Lok Sabha 12
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Union Budget 2022 on February 1, 2022. A few days ahead of the Budget 2022 presentation, HDFC Bank, in its report titled ‘Fiscal Balance and Budget Expectations’, pointed out key ‘asks’ of different stakeholders.
According to HDFC, the Budget is likely to remain growth-focused and hence the fiscal deficit is likely to remain high for next year. The expectation is that the revenues are likely to remain floating, hence the high fiscal deficit number would indicate higher expenditure. There is also the possibility of a continued process of moving off-balance-sheet borrowing on NHAI etc to on-balance sheet thus ensuring better transparency in the overall numbers.
The higher borrowing numbers would likely push INR Government Securities to yield higher with 10 years moving towards 6.80% by April 2022. The expectation is that we could see higher issuances in the longer end next year thus causing steepening of the curve.
Economic growth seeing better traction indicated by better GST numbers, we expect RBI to increase INR liquidity absorption through larger amounts of VRRR and increase in Reverse Repo Rate through January to April this year thus taking o/n rates towards 4% from 3.35% currently. The initial action has been through VRRR as RBI was cautious on how the Omicron would play out. The VRRR gave RBI the flexibility to reverse their actions, unlike a reverse repo hike. However, with the severity of Omicron being muted, we expect RBI to hike the Reverse Repo rate in February or April policy and thus take short end INR rates higher.
Our expectation is that RBI would have the first hike in Repo Rate by 25 bps in either June or Aug policy. The headline inflation is expected to remain between 5.50% to 5.90% in the second half of the year with possible upside surprises. However, we do think that RBI policy action will be gradual and hence may not see more than two hikes this year in Repo Rate.
We have seen in the recent past that FED has come around to the view of persistent inflation and hence likely to see quicker rate lift-off. Though the market expectation is of three rate hikes this year, we think only two rate hikes will materialize. However, the market will continue with the extra hike pricing in the first half of the year as high inflation persists. The impact of his inflation is likely to have significant implications for US politics as this could lead to Democrats losing control of the Senate after the November midterm elections.
Though there has been a rollback of various liquidity measures announced during the Covid period by the global central banks, our estimate is that global liquidity would continue to remain buoyant for the next two years and support for equity and other assets will remain.
In addition, we expect to continue to see a divergence in US-China Monetary Policy this year. China is likely to see the growth slowing as well as the continued migration of manufacturing from the country. This in addition to changing demographics of their population will cause the China Government and their Central Bank to take fiscal and monetary policy measures to support the economy.
With overall economic growth continuing the momentum along with increased travel along with the fact that this sector has not seen new investments in the last couple of years due to the ESG move, we expect the demand for crude to increase. The actual output increase from OPEC will be clearly behind the increase announced by OPEC due to the members’ ability to increase production.
Also, unlike last time the Shale gas output is nowhere likely to pick up even at these crude price levels. Considering these, we expect crude prices to move to USD 100 per barrel during the year. Lastly, commodity price inflation will continue to provide headwinds to widespread global GDP growth.
The past two years have been no less than a roller coaster ride for many industries. The banking industry is considered the backbone of any economy. The asset quality and profitability of banks are mostly impacted by the pandemic. However, enhanced spending on infrastructure, speedy implementation of projects, improved access to the banking system, etc. are expected to provide impetus to growth in the banking sector.
While with the ease of restrictions, the economy was reviving and getting back on the growth trajectory, it remains to be seen whether the recent spike in Covid cases and modest restrictions (introduced so far) cause any impact on the economy and especially the banking industry.
Economic growth can be accelerated by bringing the right set of policies for the banking industry. Towards this, since the Union Budget 2022 is around the corner, the banking industry is looking forward to some positive amendments under the income-tax provisions.
"I Can Hit Modi" - Congress president Nana Patole triggers controversy 14
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole prompts controversy after a news clip showed him saying “I can hit Modi and abuse him”.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated the clip making a slanting reference to the Prime Minister’s recent security breach in Punjab. Patole has, however, clarified that the video clip where he is speaking in Marathi is actually a reference to a local goon who shares the surname of the Prime Minister.
“I have been in politics for the last 30 years. In five years, a politician can provide for an entire generation. By building schools and colleges, they can provide for two generations. I don’t own even one school and nor have I taken any contract from anyone. I help whoever comes to me for help. That’s why I can hit Modi and abuse him,” Patole was heard saying in the now-controversial video clip.
The Congress was quick to issue a clarification saying the Maharashtra state party chief was not referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but some local goon who shares his surname. People in Patole’s constituency were complaining about a local goon who is known as Modi, Congress Maharashtra general secretary Atul Londhe Patil mentioned it on Twitter, adding that “whatever Patole said it was about him and not about honourable PM Narendra Modiji”. The Congress party has issued a clarification stating that Nana Patole was talking about a local goon called Gopanrav Modi and not Narendra Modi.
A day after the controversial statement of Maharashtra Congress State President Nana Patole on PM Narendra Modi, BJP leaders and workers agitated against Patole. In the western suburbia, BJP MLA Sunil Rane and his activists shouted slogans against Patole outside the Borivali railway station. Even Women supporters were shouting belligerently against Nana Patole. They were throwing sandals on Patole’s poster condemning his coarse behaviour. BJP workers demand an FIR against him. The Mumbai BJP warned of indefinite agitation if Nana Patole does not apologize for what he said.
Meanwhile, Poonawalla’s allegation is in line with several BJP leaders’ assertion that there was a sinister conspiracy behind the security breach, though the state government has rubbished such allegations. The Congress government in Punjab has also appointed a high-level panel to probe the alleged security breach. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had last week called it a “pre-planned and sponsored conspiracy”.
Indonesia passes law to relocate capital from Jakarta to remote Borneo 16
Indonesia’s parliament has approved a bill to relocate the nation’s capital from Jakarta to a jungled area of Kalimantan on Borneo Island, the planning minister said on Tuesday.
The new state capital law, which provides a legal framework for President Joko Widodo’s ambitious $32 billion mega project, stipulates how development of the capital will be funded and governed.
“The new capital has a central function and is a symbol of the identity of the nation, as well as a new centre of economic gravity,” planning minister, Suharso Monoarfa, told parliament after the bill was passed into law on Tuesday.
The new centre will be called “Nusantara”, a Javanese name for the Indonesian archipelago chosen by the president, Monoarfa announced on Monday. Plans to relocate the government from Jakarta, a bustling megacity of 10 million people that suffers from chronic congestion, floods and air pollution, have been floated by multiple presidents, but none have made it this far.
Jokowi, as the president is known, first announced the plan in 2019, but progress was delayed by the pandemic. Southeast Asia’s largest economy has envisioned the new capital as a low-carbon “super hub” that will support pharmaceutical, health and technology sectors and promote sustainable growth beyond Java Island.
But critics say the law was rushed through with limited public consultation and environmental consideration. Nusantara – which follows the creation of new capitals in countries like Brazil and more recently Myanmar – will be led by a chief authority whose position is equivalent to a minister, deputy chair of the bill’s special committee, Saan Mustofa, said on Monday.
Among those being considered for the position, according to local media reports, are former research and technology minister, Bambang Brodjonegoro, and Jakarta’s former governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as or Ahok.
Assembly Elections: AAP names Bhagwant Mann as chief ministerial candidate for Punjab 18
Bhagwant Mann will be the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) chief ministerial face for the Punjab assembly polls, party chief Arvind Kejriwal announced on Tuesday. Mann, 48, is a two-time MP from Sangrur and is the party’s state unit chief. The announcement was made a public event.
Kejriwal declared the result of AAP’s ‘Janta Chunegi Apna CM’ drive in which it asked the people of Punjab who should be the party’s chief ministerial candidate.
The party had received 21.59 lakh responses under its campaign to elect its CM face for the Assembly polls, party leaders said.
AAP is the only outfit among major parties contesting the polls which has announced its chief ministerial face.
Voting for Punjab’s 117 Assembly seats is scheduled for February 20 and the counting will take place on March 10.
Ashes series 'true testament' to unwavering spirit of international cricket, says Nick Hockley 20
Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said the 2021/22 Ashes series was a “true testament” to the resilience and unwavering spirit of the international cricket family amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket Australia (CA) on Tuesday extended its thanks to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the teams, coaches, match officials, host venues, governments, state associations, and the Australian public for the men’s Ashes series over the past six weeks.
“The 2021/22 Ashes series has been a true testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of the international cricket family who have been supportive through periods of uncertainty and change as we navigated the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hockley said in a statement.
“We are extremely grateful to our good friends at the England & Wales Cricket Board for the trust and commitment they have given to deliver an Ashes Series like no other. We acknowledge and appreciate the enormous effort and sacrifice that players, staff and their families have made to travel to Australia, including undertaking a period of quarantine, to make this series possible,” he added.
In the home summer of cricket so far, Australia won the 2021-22 men’s Ashes 4-0 in what continues to be one of the greatest global sporting rivalries. According to Cricket Australia (CA), almost half a million people attended the five matches across a total of 20 days and TV viewing figures were among the highest in cricket broadcast history.
Australia and England will now lock horns in women’s Ashes from Thursday. “We are now looking forward to the CommBank women’s Ashes starting on Thursday and men’s white ball series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka and the upcoming tour of Pakistan,” Hockley said.
