The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled an exhilarating schedule for the summer of 2025, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated cricketing seasons in recent history. With both the men’s and women’s national teams slated to play two series simultaneously, the cricket calendar promises action-packed fixtures that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. A highlight of the season will undoubtedly be the England-India series, where both gender categories will battle it out in a series of high-voltage matches.
The men’s five-match Test series against India is set to commence on June 20 and will run through to August 4. This series marks a robust challenge for the England men’s team, known for its competitive spirit and historic rivalries with India. Leeds has the honor of hosting the first Test match, followed by subsequent Tests in Birmingham from July 2. The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground will then take center stage for the third Test from July 10. Wrapping up the series, Manchester and The Oval are scheduled to host the fourth and fifth Tests respectively.
Parallelly, the England women’s team is poised to face their Indian counterparts in a series that includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs), spanning from June 28 to July 22. The tour starts with T20Is, kicking off in Nottingham on June 28, then moving to Bristol on July 1, followed by a match at The Oval on July 4. The women’s T20I leg concludes with games in Manchester and Birmingham on July 9 and 12 respectively. Subsequently, the ODI series begins with matches in Southampton, Lord’s, and finally Chester-le-Street on July 16, 19, and 22.
Adding to the cricket carnival, the Indian series will be preceded by another exciting contest with the West Indies, who will tour England for both men’s and women’s white-ball series. Both teams are set to engage in three ODIs and three T20Is each. The cricketing extravaganza kicks off with Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in England for the first time since 2003. This four-day Test match is scheduled at Trent Bridge from May 22, setting the tone for a summer filled with thrilling cricket.
Towards the season’s end, England men will face South Africa in three ODIs and three T20Is from September 2 to September 14. Adding another layer of excitement, England will journey to Ireland in the same month to play three ODIs on the 17th, 19th, and 21st, further diversifying their cricketing engagements.
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ECB CEO Richard Gould expressed his enthusiasm for the packed summer schedule. “Staging England Men’s and England Women’s series alongside each other has been popular with fans and supported the continued growth of the women’s game. Both the Ashes last year and the Pakistan series earlier this year were very successful. I’m excited we’ll be doing the same again for the West Indies and India series next year. Cricket fans are in for a real treat, and I hope they’ll be out in force to support both men’s and women’s sides,” he commented.
Reflecting on India’s tour, Gould noted, “India touring is always a big draw and a highlight of any cricket summer. The last men’s Test series here was a nail-biter and I’m sure next year’s clash will be just as exciting. Our women’s series are always fiercely competitive. I’m delighted we’ll also be welcoming both West Indies teams back for white-ball series, following this year’s men’s Test series.”
In addition, Gould revealed a significant milestone for the women’s game: “India women will return to England in 2026 to feature in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s,” he stated, signaling further commitments to elevate women’s cricket.
The comprehensive plan of events for England’s 2025 home summer is as follows:
– Men’s Test v Zimbabwe: Kicking off England’s cricket season in May.
– Women’s White-Ball Series v West Indies: Engaging contests in the early part of the summer.
– Men’s White-Ball Series v West Indies: Action-packed fixtures expected to draw huge crowds.
– Men’s Test Series v India: The marquee event of the summer featuring five intense Test matches.
– Women’s White-Ball Series v India Women: Highlighting competitive spirit and skill.
– Men’s White-Ball Series v South Africa: Concluding summer with thrilling matches.
In what promises to be a memorable season, cricket enthusiasts across the globe can look forward to an array of exciting matches, dramatic moments, and a display of unparalleled skill from both men’s and women’s teams. The ECB’s meticulously planned schedule is set to ensure that the summer of 2025 will be etched in cricketing history.