After Joe Root, Ben Stokes calls ECB decision 'shambolic' over Headingley’s 2027 Ashes exclusion

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to exclude Headingley from the 2027 men's Ashes schedule, calling it "shambolic." This comes after England's victory over Pakistan at Headingley in the first Test of their three-match series. Former captain Joe Root had described Headingley's absence as a "shame," acknowledging England's strong record at the venue.

Stokes expressed his frustration on Instagram, stating that "shame" was an understatement and that "shambolic" would be a more appropriate description. The ECB has selected Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston, the Rose Bowl (Utilita Bowl), and The Oval as the five venues for the 2027 Ashes series, omitting both Headingley and Manchester's Old Trafford, both of which have a rich history in the Ashes.

Stokes, a former Headingley Test hero, further emphasized the significance of the venue, having scored one of the most memorable innings in Test history there during the 2019 Ashes.

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