File photo of Ben Stokes.© NDTV Library
Former England captain Ben Stokes has described the decision to exclude Headingley from the 2027 men’s Ashes schedule as “shambolic” as he joined the growing criticism from players and commentators over the absence of a northern venue for the high-profile series. Stokes expressed his frustration on Instagram Stories in response to a post discussing the schedule. “Shame is an understatement. Shambolic would be more appropriate. Great win though,” wrote Stokes in reference to England’s victory by an innings and 103 runs over Pakistan at Leeds.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed that the 2027 Ashes will take place at Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Edgbaston, the Rose Bowl and The Oval. The allocation meant both Headingley and Old Trafford were omitted from the schedule.
Newly appointed Test captain Joe Root had previously called the omission of northern venues a “shame”, pointing to England’s strong record at Headingley, where they have won seven consecutive Tests. While both Headingley and Old Trafford are scheduled to host Ashes Tests in 2031, their exclusion from the 2027 series has left many frustrated.
Former England batter Mark Butcher also questioned the omission during the third day’s broadcast.
“I think anybody but the most partisan Hampshire cricket supporter would recognise that in a sport, and particularly in a series like the Ashes, where interest in the game is at its peak at any point in a four-year cycle, a game marketed as a sport for everybody needs representation and needs to have a Test in the north.
“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. I find it extraordinary that there’ll be no Ashes cricket in the north of England beyond Trent Bridge next year. It’s bizarre,” he told Sky Sports.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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