Ben Stokes has publicly condemned the decision to omit Headingley from the 2027 men's Ashes itinerary, branding the move as "shambolic". The exclusion of a major northern venue from the upcoming Ashes series has sparked a wave of criticism from players, commentators and supporters alike since the schedule was first unveiled.
The former England captain took to Instagram to voice his displeasure after seeing a post outlining the new fixtures. In his response, Stokes not only lambasted the omission but also added a brief congratulatory note—"Great win though"—to acknowledge England's dominant performance against Pakistan at Leeds, where the team posted an innings-and-103-run victory.
Joe Root, who succeeded Stokes as England's Test skipper, echoed the sentiment, describing Headingley's absence as a "shame" and reminding fans of England's impressive record at the ground. Stokes replied, "Shame is an understatement, to be honest. Shambolic would be more appropriate," underscoring how strongly he feels about the decision. Headingley holds a special place in Stokes' career.
In 2019, the all‑rounder produced a legendary unbeaten 135, partnering with Jack Leach for a 76‑run last‑wicket stand that propelled England to a record chase of 359. That innings rescued the Ashes series and is still celebrated as one of the most dramatic finishes in cricket history.
The ground has since become synonymous with Stokes' heroics, making its exclusion all the more painful for him and many fans. The forthcoming 2027 series will be contested across five venues, with the opening Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham serving as the most northerly match. The full schedule lists Lord's, Edgbaston and the Kia Oval as returning hosts, while Southampton's Utilita Bowl will stage a men's Ashes Test for the first time. Notably, both Headingley and Old Trafford—sites of numerous historic Ashes moments—are missing from the roster.
England's recent form at Headingley adds weight to the argument for its inclusion. The team is currently on a streak of seven consecutive Test victories at the ground, the latest of which was wrapped up in just three days during the recent Pakistan series. Such dominance suggests that the venue not only offers competitive cricket but also provides a reliable platform for England to secure wins. Former England batsman Mark Butcher, who notched a century at Headingley 25 years ago during an Ashes contest, questioned the logic behind the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) choice on Sky Sports.
"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," he remarked.
"Whether that's here at Headingley or at Old Trafford, that's 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." Young England star Harry Brook also weighed in after the Pakistan Test at Headingley.
When asked how disappointed he was by the venue's omission, Brook 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 make them and we just get told where to play." The broader debate touches on the commercial and cultural responsibilities of cricket's governing bodies. Critics argue that omitting a historic northern ground undermines the sport's claim to be a national pastime accessible to fans across the country. They point out that venues like Headingley and Old Trafford have not only produced iconic moments but also draw sizable crowds, contributing to the game's financial health.
Supporters of the new schedule claim that spreading matches across a variety of locations, including the novel Utilita Bowl venue, helps to grow the game in emerging markets and modern facilities. They argue that the ECB must balance tradition with the need to reach new audiences and maximize revenue. Nevertheless, the backlash suggests that many stakeholders believe the balance has tipped too far away from tradition. The conversation is likely to continue as the 2027 series approaches, with fans, former players and current stars all urging the ECB to reconsider and perhaps reinstate Headingley—or at least ensure a northern venue features more prominently in future Ashes calendars.
For reference, the confirmed dates for the 2027 Ashes are as follows: - 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 All matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming options available through NOW without a contract.