Ben Stokes has openly criticised the exclusion of Headingley from the 2027 men's Ashes programme, branding the decision as "shambolic". The omission of a northern venue has sparked a wave of debate among players, commentators and supporters ever since the fixture list was unveiled.
Stokes, the former England captain, posted his reaction on Instagram after seeing a tweet about the new schedule. He added a brief congratulatory note – "Great win though" – referencing England's dominant performance against Pakistan at Leeds, where the side posted an innings and 103‑run victory. Joe Root, who succeeded Stokes as captain, also expressed disappointment, calling the absence of Headingley a "shame" and highlighting England's impressive record at the ground. Stokes replied that "shame is an understatement" and that "shambolic would be more appropriate".
Headingley holds a special place in Stokes' career. In 2019, he produced a legendary unbeaten 135, partnering with Jack Leach for a 76‑run stand for the last wicket to chase down 359 and keep the Ashes series alive.
That innings is widely celebrated as one of the most dramatic finishes in cricket history, cementing the ground's status as a fortress for English Test cricket. The upcoming 2027 series will be contested across five venues, with the opening Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham – the most northerly fixture on the schedule. Lord's, Edgbaston and the Kia Oval will all return, while Southampton's Utilita Bowl will host a men's Ashes Test for the first time. Notably, both Headingley and Old Trafford, venues that have staged many historic Ashes moments, are missing from the itinerary.
England's recent form at Headingley bolsters the argument for its inclusion. The team is on a run of seven successive Test victories at the ground, the latest being a three‑day win against Pakistan earlier this week. Former England batsman Mark Butcher, who hit a century at Headingley during the 1998 Ashes, questioned the ECB's logic on Sky Sports, describing the decision as "extraordinary" and "bizarre".
He argued that a truly national sport must be represented across the whole country, including the north, and that financial considerations should not override the game's cultural footprint. Harry Brook, speaking from the pavilion at Headingley during the Pakistan Test, echoed Stokes' disappointment. He said he felt "slightly" let down, recalling the "hell of a lot of success" England has enjoyed at the venue, especially the 2019 Ashes heroics and the recent match that kept the series alive. Brook admitted Headingley is one of his favourite grounds to bat on, but lamented that selection decisions lie with the hierarchy, not the players.
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) at Trent Bridge, Nottingham - Second Test: Wednesday 30 June – Sunday 4 July (11:00) at Lord's, London - Third Test: Thursday 8 July – Monday 12 July (11:00) at Edgbaston, Birmingham - Fourth Test: Wednesday 21 July – Sunday 25 July (11:00) at Utilita Bowl, Southampton - Fifth Test: Thursday 29 July – Monday 2 August (11:00) at the Kia Oval, London Fans can watch all three England 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 omission of Headingley highlights a broader conversation about regional representation in English cricket.
While financial and logistical factors inevitably influence scheduling, many former players and current stars argue that the sport's identity as a game for the whole nation requires a balanced geographic spread. Headingley's rich history, recent success, and passionate local fan base make a compelling case for its reinstatement in future Ashes calendars, ensuring that the north remains an integral part of England's cricketing narrative.