Delhi: Former England captain Ben Stokes has expressed his displeasure over the exclusion of Headingley from the schedule of the 2027 Ashes series. He has called this decision 'shameful'.
In the Ashes 2027 schedule, five grounds in England have got to host the matches, but Headingley and Old Trafford have been left out. After this decision, the resentment of players and people associated with cricket is increasing.
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Stokes called the decision shameful
Stokes responded to the issue on social media after England's innings and 103-run win against Pakistan at Headingley.
Responding to a post, he wrote that just calling it shameful will not be enough, this decision is very bad. He also expressed happiness over England's victory against Pakistan at Headingley.
Tests will be held on these grounds in 2027 Ashes
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has selected Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston, Rose Bowl and The Oval for the 2027 Ashes series.
This schedule does not include Headingley and Old Trafford, the two big grounds in the northern part of England. Both the grounds are to host the Test matches in the 2031 Ashes series, but many people are angry at their exclusion in 2027.
Joe Root has also expressed his displeasure
England's new Test captain Joe Root has also expressed disappointment over the exclusion from Headingley and Old Trafford. Root had said about Headingley that it is a shame to exclude this ground from the Ashes. England's record at Headingley has also been excellent. The team has won 7 consecutive test matches here.
Mark Butcher also raised questions
Former England batsman Mark Butcher also raised questions on this decision during the Headingley Test. He said that the whole of England should be included in a big series like the Ashes. According to him, it is necessary to have Ashes Test in Northern England also, whether it is Headingley or Old Trafford.
Butcher said that whoever the people are who take this decision, he finds it very strange that there will be no Ashes cricket other than Trent Bridge in Northern England next year.
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This matter has now become a big topic of discussion due to no major ground in Northern England getting a Test in the 2027 Ashes series.
Both Headingley and Old Trafford are among the most famous cricket grounds in England. In such a situation, players and former cricketers believe that these grounds should have got a place in a big series like the Ashes.