Ben Stokes criticizes ECB decision to exclude Headingley from 2027 Ashes

Ben Stokes has criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to exclude Headingley and Old Trafford from the 2027 men's Ashes schedule, calling it 'shambolic.' This decision follows a significant victory for England over Pakistan at Headingley. Stokes expressed his frustration in a social media post and highlighted Headingley's historical importance in the Ashes. Following the criticism, Joe Root also described the omission as a 'shame.' Headingley currently holds a winning streak and has special significance for Stokes, who played a crucial role in England's victory in 2019 at the venue. The ECB has announced Trent Bridge, Lord's, Edgbaston, the Rose Bowl, and The Oval as the selected venues for the series, with Headingley and Old Trafford set to return in 2031.

• 5:23 PMYahoo Sports — After Joe Root, Ben Stokes calls ECB decision 'shambolic' over Headingley’s 2027 Ashes exclusion