Ben Stokes has openly criticised the exclusion of Headingley from the 2027 men's Ashes itinerary, branding the decision as "shambolic". The omission of a northern venue from the Ashes schedule has sparked debate among players, commentators and supporters ever since the fixtures were announced. Stokes, a former England captain, posted his reaction on Instagram after seeing a social‑media update about the new timetable.
He added a brief congratulatory note – "Great win though" – referencing England's dominant performance against Pakistan at the Leeds ground, where the team posted a massive innings‑and‑103 run victory. Joe Root, who succeeded Stokes as England captain, also lamented the absence of Headingley, calling it a "shame" and pointing to the side's impressive record at the historic ground.
In reply, Stokes doubled down, saying, "Shame is an understatement, honestly. Shambolic would be more appropriate." Headingley holds a special place in Stokes' career. It was at this venue in 2019 that he produced his legendary unbeaten 135, forging a 76‑run unbeaten partnership with Jack Leach to chase down a daunting 359 and keep the Ashes series alive.
That innings is widely remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes in cricket history. 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 the Utilita Bowl in Southampton will host a men's Ashes Test for the first time.
Notably, both Headingley and Old Trafford, venues that have witnessed many iconic Ashes moments, are missing from the schedule. England's recent form at Headingley strengthens the argument for its inclusion. The team is currently on a run of seven successive Test victories at the ground, the latest of which was wrapped up in just three days earlier this week.
Former England batsman Mark Butcher, who scored a century at Headingley in an Ashes series 25 years ago, questioned the logic behind the ECB's decision during an appearance on Sky Sports. He said, "I find it extraordinary that there will 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, that's a point for the bean counters to decide. 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 are UK and Ireland local): - 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 England's three 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 Ashes schedule highlights the broader conversation about regional representation in English cricket and the importance of preserving historic venues that have shaped the sport's legacy.