‘Shambolic’: Ben Stokes slams decision to leave Headingley out of 2027 Ashes

Ben Stokes has criticised the exclusion of Headingley from the 2027 men’s Ashes schedule, calling the decision ‘shambolic’. The omission of northern venues has drawn backlash from players and commentators, with concerns raised over representation and accessibility of the iconic series

London: 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, as he commented in reference to England’s victory by an innings and 103 runs over Pakistan at Leeds.

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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had revealed that next year’s Ashes will take place in Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Edgbaston, Rose Bowl, and the Oval. The allocation meant both Headingley and Old Trafford Stadium were omitted from the schedule.

Newly appointed Test captain Joe Root previously called the omission of northern venues a ‘shame,’ pointing to England’s strong record at the ground, where they have won seven consecutive Tests. Both Headingley and Old Trafford are scheduled to host Ashes Tests in 2031, but the exclusion in 2027 has left many frustrated.

Former England batter Mark Butcher also questioned the omission during day three’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 the interest in the game is at its peak at any point over a four-year cycle, that the game being marketed as a game for everybody needs to have some representation and needs to have a game in the north.

“Whether that’s here at Headingley or whether it’s 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 up in the north of England beyond Trent Bridge next year. It’s bizarre,” he had said to Sky Sports.