Ben Stokes has openly criticised the decision to omit Headingley from the 2027 men’s Ashes itinerary, branding the move as "shambolic". The exclusion of a northern venue from the Ashes programme has sparked debate among players, commentators and supporters ever since the fixtures were announced. The former England captain took to Instagram to voice his displeasure after seeing a post outlining the schedule. He concluded his comment with a cheerful "Great win though," referencing England’s dominant performance against Pakistan at the Leeds ground, where they crushed the visitors by an innings and 103 runs.
Joe Root, who succeeded Stokes as England’s skipper, also lamented Headingley’s absence, calling it a "shame" and reminding fans of England’s impressive record at the historic venue. Stokes replied, "Shame is an understatement, to be honest.
Shambolic would be more appropriate." Headingley holds a special place in Stokes’s career. It was there in 2019 that he produced an unbeaten 135, partnering Jack Leach for an unbroken 76‑run last‑wicket stand to chase down a daunting 359. That innings rescued England’s Ashes hopes and is still remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes in Test history. The upcoming series will be contested across five grounds, with the opening Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham – the most northerly venue on the list.
The full schedule includes: - 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 (hosting a men’s Ashes Test for the first time) - Fifth Test: Thursday 29 July – Monday 2 August (11:00) – The Kia Oval, London Notably missing are Headingley and Old Trafford, both of which have been the backdrop for many iconic Ashes moments. England’s recent form at Headingley bolsters the argument for its inclusion: the side has won seven consecutive Tests there, the latest triumph coming in just three days against Pakistan. Former England batsman Mark Butcher, who notched a century at Headingley 25 years ago, expressed bewilderment at the ECB’s decision on Sky Sports. He said, "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 Headingley or Old Trafford, it’s a decision for the bean‑counters, but the game is marketed as being for everyone and needs representation in the north." Harry Brook, speaking from the pavilion at Headingley during the Pakistan Test, echoed the disappointment when asked about the omission. "Slightly, to be honest. We’ve had a lot of success here in Test cricket," he said.
"You go back to 2019 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 favourite grounds to bat on.
It is disappointing, but we don’t make those decisions. The hierarchy does, and we just get told where to play." The controversy highlights a broader conversation about the geographical spread of elite cricket in England.
Critics argue that concentrating marquee matches in the south and the Midlands marginalises northern fans and undermines the sport’s claim to be a national pastime. Supporters of the current plan point to logistical considerations, stadium capacities and commercial partnerships as reasons for the chosen venues.
Regardless of the rationale, the backlash underscores how deeply the Ashes are woven into the cultural fabric of English cricket. Headingley, with its storied stands, roaring crowds and moments like Stokes’s 135, is more than just a ground – it is a symbol of the drama and resilience that define the series. Its exclusion from the 2027 itinerary will likely remain a point of contention among players, pundits and the wider cricket community.
Fans can still follow the entire five‑match series live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, or stream the action contract‑free via NOW. The schedule promises a mix of traditional venues and a new entrant in Southampton, offering a fresh narrative for the next chapter of this historic rivalry.