Ben Stokes, the former England cricket captain, has voiced strong criticism regarding the decision to leave Headingley out of the 2027 men’s Ashes schedule. He labeled the move as “shambolic” in a post on Instagram Stories, expressing his disappointment about the absence of a northern venue for the prestigious series. Stokes responded to a discussion about the schedule by stating, “Shame is an understatement. Shambolic would be more appropriate. Great win though,” referencing England’s recent victory by an innings and 103 runs against Pakistan at Leeds.
“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.
their exclusion from the 2027 series has left many frustrated While both Headingley and Old Trafford are scheduled to host Ashes Tests in 2031.
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. It’s bizarre,” he told Sky Sports.
