Stokes Criticizes ECB Over Headingley Ashes Exclusion

Former England captain Ben Stokes has publicly criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to exclude Headingley from the schedule for the 2027 men's Ashes series, calling the move "shambolic." The criticism came on August 22, 2026, shortly after the ECB confirmed the five-Test series venues, which will not include the historic Leeds ground or Old Trafford.

The scheduled venues for the 2027 Ashes are Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston, the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, and The Kia Oval. The Rose Bowl in Southampton will host a men's Ashes Test for the first time. Headingley, which recently hosted England's first Test victory against Pakistan, will instead host a women's Ashes Test in 2027. The ground will not stage a men's Test match until 2029.

Stokes, who retired from the captaincy earlier in the summer, responded on social media to the announcement. "Shame is an understatement to be honest. Shambolic would be more appropriate," he wrote, referencing England's recent win at the ground. His comments echoed those of current England captain Joe Root, who said after the Pakistan Test that it would be a "shame" if Headingley did not get an Ashes match.