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Ben Stokes claims the ECB’s decision to leave Headingley off the men’s Ashes 2027 schedule is “shambolic”.
A lack of a northern venue has attracted widespread scrutiny from many inside English cricket.
And former England captain Stokes was left furious with the reality of no Ashes Test in Leeds.
Stokes added, “Great win though,” after England's innings-and-103-run thrashing of Pakistan.
The debate comes after England captain Joe Root admitted it is a “shame” to not see Headingley part of next year’s schedule, particularly given the strong home record there.
”Shame is an understatement [to be honest],” Stokes said. ”Shambolic would be more appropriate.”
Another former England captain, Michael Vaughan, added: “The Test Pitch at Headingley was another belter… it’s now the best pitch in the country… but the ground won’t host a Test until 2029!!! That can’t be right… England would love to [be] playing an Ashes Test in Leeds.”
Headingley is the home of one of Stokes’s most famous moments when playing for England. In 2019, Stokes’s unbeaten 135 inspired England to a record chase of 359, with that unforgettable last-wicket stand of 76 alongside Jack Leach ensuring the Ashes series remained alive.
Next summer’s series, played at five grounds, will see Nottingham as the most northern venue.
Lord’s, Edgbaston and The Kia Oval remain on the schedule, with Southampton’s Utilita Bowl stepping up as a men’s Ashes Test venue for the first time.
Harry Brook agreed with Root’s view on Headingley’s absence: “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 Stokesy played that ridiculous innings, then the last Ashes Test match 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 make them and we just get told where to play.”
Men's Ashes series in England 2027
All times UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday June 18 to Tuesday June 22 (11am) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Second Test: Wednesday June 30 to Sunday July 4 (11am) – Lord’s
Third Test: Thursday July 8 to Monday July 12 (11am) – Edgbaston, Birmingham
Fourth Test: Wednesday July 21 to Sunday July 25 (11am) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton
Fifth Test: Thursday July 29 to Monday August 2 (11am) – The Kia Oval, London