Ashes ticket price increase 'really poor' - Vaughan

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has criticized a substantial 43% increase in ticket prices for next year's men's Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The Birmingham venue will host the third Test of the best-of-five series between England and Australia. Ticket prices in the Hollies Stand, accommodating nearly 6,000 spectators, will now cost £165, up from £115 in 2023.

Vaughan expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, stating that the ticket price increase is "really poor." Despite Edgbaston's reduced capacity due to hotel construction, tickets for the third Test between England and Pakistan have not yet sold out. The ECB claims that all days for the 2023 series were sold out in advance, with total attendance surpassing 545,000.

Prices for the 2027 Ashes will be higher at Lord's and the Oval in London, with the most expensive tickets reaching £190 and £185. England, who lost 4-1 to Australia last winter, will commence their push to reclaim the Ashes at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on June 18. The second Ashes Test at Lord's is scheduled for June 30, and the third at Edgbaston on July 8.

The Utilita Bowl in Southampton will be the 10th UK ground to host a men's Ashes Test when the fourth Test starts on July 21, with the series ending at the Kia Oval on July 29. Ticket prices for sporting events have been a persistent issue for fans, with athletics supporters expressing their concerns over high prices for the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.