Ben Stokes has openly condemned the exclusion of Headingley from the 2027 men’s Ashes itinerary, branding the decision as "shambolic". The omission of a major northern venue has sparked debate among players, analysts and supporters ever since the schedule was unveiled. Stokes, a former England captain, posted his reaction on Instagram after seeing a tweet about the fixture list, and he concluded his comment with "Great win though" to acknowledge England’s dominant 103‑run victory over Pakistan at the Leeds ground earlier in the week. Joe Root, who succeeded Stokes as England’s skipper, also expressed his displeasure, calling Headingley’s absence a "shame" and reminding fans of England’s impressive record at the stadium.
Stokes replied, "Shame is an understatement [to be honest]; shambolic would be more appropriate," underscoring how deeply he feels about the oversight. Headingley holds a special place in Stokes’ career.
It was at the Leeds venue in 2019 that he produced his unforgettable unbeaten 135, partnering with tail‑ender Jack Leach for an unbroken 76‑run stand that rescued England from a daunting target of 359. That innings is still celebrated as one of the most dramatic finishes in Ashes history, keeping the series alive and cementing Stokes’ legacy at the ground. The 2027 series will be contested across five venues, with the opening Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham – the most northerly stop on the itinerary. Lord’s, Edgbaston and the Kia Oval will all return, while Southampton’s new Utilita Bowl will host a men’s Ashes Test for the first time.
Notably absent are both Headingley and Old Trafford, two stadiums that have staged countless iconic Ashes moments. England’s recent form at Headingley only strengthens the argument for its inclusion.
The side has won seven consecutive Tests at the ground, the latest of which was wrapped up in just three days earlier this month. Former England batsman Mark Butcher, who scored a century at Headingley during the 1998 Ashes, questioned the logic behind the ECB’s decision on Sky Sports, saying, "I find it extraordinary that there’ll be no Ashes cricket up in the north of England beyond Trent Bridge next year.
It’s bizarre. Whether that’s here at Headingley or at Old Trafford is a point for the bean counters to decide, or whoever’s turn that might be. The game being marketed as a game for everybody needs to have some representation and needs to have a game in the north." Harry Brook, speaking from the pavilion at Headingley during the Pakistan Test, echoed the disappointment when asked about the venue’s omission.
He admitted, "Slightly, to be honest. I think we’ve had a hell of a lot of success here in Test match cricket. You go back to 2019 in the Ashes when Stokes played that ridiculous innings, then the last Ashes Test a couple of years ago where we kept the Ashes alive.
I personally love playing here. It’s one of my favourites, if not my favourite ground to bat on. It is disappointing, but we don’t make those decisions. The hierarchy makes them and we just get told where to play." The full schedule for the 2027 Ashes is as follows (all times UK and Ireland): - First Test: Friday 18 June – Tuesday 22 June (11:00) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham - Second Test: Wednesday 30 June – Sunday 4 July (11:00) – Lord’s, London - Third Test: Thursday 8 July – Monday 12 July (11:00) – Edgbaston, Birmingham - Fourth Test: Wednesday 21 July – Sunday 25 July (11:00) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton - Fifth Test: Thursday 29 July – Monday 2 August (11:00) – The Kia Oval, London Fans can watch all three of England’s Tests against Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, or stream the action contract‑free via NOW.
The controversy surrounding the schedule highlights a broader conversation about regional representation in English cricket, the commercial pressures influencing venue selection, and the emotional connection many players feel toward historic grounds like Headingley. While the governing bodies argue that logistical and financial considerations dictate the lineup, former and current players continue to lobby for a more balanced geographic spread, ensuring that the north of England remains a vibrant part of the Ashes narrative.