The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled a cricket-packed schedule for the summer of 2025, featuring both the men’s and women’s cricket teams in a series of high-octane matches that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Among the headlining events will be the much-anticipated series against India, a formidable opponent which always brings a sense of excitement and competition to the cricketing world.
The England men’s cricket team is set to face India in a riveting five-match Test series, which will span from June 20 to August 4. The series will kick off at the iconic Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, which will host the first Test from June 20. The series then moves to Birmingham for the second Test on July 2. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the third Test, scheduled at the historic Lord’s in London from July 10. Following London, Manchester’s Old Trafford will host the fourth Test beginning on July 22, before the series concludes with the fifth and final Test at The Oval starting on July 28.
Simultaneously, England’s women’s team will also take on the Indian women’s team in a series comprising three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs). The women’s series will open with the T20Is, beginning from June 28 in Nottingham. The excitement will then shift to Bristol on July 1, followed by a T20I at The Oval on July 4. Manchester and Birmingham will host the penultimate and final T20Is on July 9 and July 12, respectively. Following these dynamic short-format matches, the ODI series will commence, with games scheduled for July 16, 19, and 22. These ODIs will be held in Southampton, Lord’s, and Chester-le-Street respectively.
The India series is preceded by a visit from the West Indies, who will feature heavily in both the men’s and women’s schedules. Each team will partake in three ODIs and three T20Is. This tour marks the beginning of England’s cricketing summer, with fixtures set to energize crowds from early on.
Opening the summer on a nostalgic note, Zimbabwe will play their first Test match in England since 2003.
. This four-day Test is scheduled to be held at Trent Bridge from May 22, offering a historical context as Zimbabwe returns to the English cricketing fold after more than two decades.
As the summer draws towards its latter half, the England men’s team will compete against South Africa in a series of three ODIs and three T20Is that run from September 2 to September 14. This challenging series will test England’s mettle as they face another top-tier cricketing nation. In addition, England will also embark on a short tour to Ireland, scheduled for mid-September, where they will play three ODIs on the 17th, 19th, and 21st of the month.
Speaking about the exciting summer lineup, ECB CEO Richard Gould expressed his anticipation and enthusiasm. “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. The Ashes last year and the Pakistan series earlier this year were both huge successes. 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,” said Gould.
Gould also highlighted the particularly significant draw of India’s tour. “India touring is always a big draw and a highlight of any cricket summer. The last men’s Test series here was a nailbiter and next year’s clash promises to be just as exciting, while our women’s series are always fiercely competitive. I’m delighted we’ll also be welcoming both West Indies teams back again for white-ball series following this year’s men’s Test series,” he added.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the 2025 series, Gould announced that the Indian women’s team would make a notable return to England in 2026 to participate in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s, signaling continued progress in the women’s game.
In summary, cricket fans have much to look forward to in the summer of 2025, with an electrifying mix of Test, ODI, and T20 matches that include some of the game’s most storied rivalries. With a full and varied schedule, the ECB has ensured that both the men’s and women’s teams will have every opportunity to showcase their talents on the international stage, providing entertainment and top-tier cricket throughout the summer.