'Ridiculous decision' - Fans fume as ECB removes Headingly Cricket Ground from Men's Ashes 2027 venue list

Ben Stokes celebrates after his winning shot at Headingley in 2019 (Source: Twitter)

We watched yet another classic game at Headingley, as England defeated Australia by three wickets in a must-win encounter. There was no Ben Stokes masterclass in the second innings this time, but England successfully chased down 250+ target at Headingley to reduce their deficit in the Ashes 2023.

However, there will be no memorable game at Headingley on Australia's next tour of England as Leeds has been left out of the Men's Ashes 2027 venue list. The next Ashes in England will take place in different locations than the 2023 series. The English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier confirmed their venues for 2027, and there is no room for the hosts' fortress.

The venues that have been chosen to host Australia Men are Lord's, The Oval, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge, and the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, the one-off Test of the Women's Ashes Test will be played at Headingley. Edgbaston, Lord's, Headingley, Old Trafford, and The Oval are the venues for the 2023 series, while the Women's Ashes Test was at Trent Bridge.

Rose Bowl to make its debut in a men's Ashes series

England officials have also removed Old Trafford from the 2027 men's calendar. On the other hand, Rose Bowl will be making its debut in a men's Ashes series. While the venues for the five-match series have been confirmed the date and schedule are yet to be confirmed. It is expected to be revealed before 2025.

"The Ashes fixture in 2027 will be a historic moment for Hampshire Cricket, the Ageas Bowl, and for cricket in general as England and Australia engage in a Test Match for the first time at our bespoke venue. "It represents the realisation of a long-held ambition; a dream come true," Hampshire Cricket chairman Rod Bransgrove said.

Meanwhile, England cricket fans were unhappy with the ECB's decision to drop Leeds from the 2027 Ashes venue list as the English team has tasted several successes here. Headingley will be always remembered for Stokes' stunning century in England's historic chase. The Three Lions secured another win in the 2023 series on Sunday (July 9) on the back of Harry Brook's half-century and all-round brilliance from Mark Wood and Chris Woakes.

Here's how fans reacted to Leeds being kicked out of the men's Ashes 2027 venue:

Ridiculous decision

— Neil Taylor (@spitaltay) July 10, 2023

Can’t believe this. Headingley + Edgbaston should be permanent. Headingley is a fortress.

— Hamish Firth (@htfirth) July 10, 2023

Would rather they binned of Lords tbh, an absolute graveyard for England

— Richard Collinge (@richardcollinge) July 9, 2023

Imagine the Aussies not playing at The Gabba? Ridiculous decision. Lords should lose out as we never win there and the MCC hooliganism should be punished

— Robmurray (@RFM80789455) July 9, 2023

No Ashes tests in the north of England at all🤔🤷‍♂️

— Slawit Terrier (@RichardWaller1) July 9, 2023

Crazy ! One of the best wickets we have seen in years made for a great test spectacle. Well done to this relatively new head groundsman

— John Gilding (@jgilding1) July 10, 2023

Favours the Aussies that surely as it’s one of Englands strongest grounds lately?

— Test Match Report (@TestMatchReport) July 9, 2023

It's almost like the ecb want to lose in 2027.

— Paul Hewton 🇬🇧 (@paul_hewton) July 9, 2023

No way England crying about conditions for matches played in England 😂
This is next level 🔥

— Cow Corner (@CowCorner183) July 9, 2023