In an exciting announcement for cricket enthusiasts, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) unveiled the schedule for the summer of 2025. The country’s cricketing calendar will see a high-voltage series featuring both the England men’s and women’s teams playing against India, amongst other fixtures. The cricketing summer promises an array of thrilling matches, capturing the essence of international cricket.
One of the most anticipated events is the men’s five-match Test series against India, a clash iconic for its intensity and competitive nature. This series is set to commence on June 20 and will continue until August 4. Simultaneously, the England women’s team will contest India women in a series comprising three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs), scheduled from June 28 to July 22.
The excitement kicks off in Leeds, which has the honor of hosting the inaugural Test match between the England and India men’s teams on June 20. Following the opener, Birmingham will stage the second Test beginning on July 2. Cricket’s historic ground, Lord’s, has been reserved for the third Test, set to start on July 10. The series will then move to Manchester for the fourth Test before concluding at The Oval in London.
The women’s series ushers in its own share of exhilaration, commencing with a set of compelling T20Is. The tour begins with a match in Nottingham on June 28, followed by games in Bristol on July 1 and at The Oval on July 4. The fixtures keep coming as Manchester will host another T20I on July 9, with the final T20I being staged in Birmingham on July 12. This series will transition into ODIs scheduled for July 16 in Southampton, followed by games at Lord’s on July 19, and Chester-le-Street on July 22.
Before the much-anticipated India series, fans will witness the West Indies’ tour of England. Mirroring the format of the India series, both the men’s and women’s teams from West Indies will engage in three ODIs and three T20Is each.
. Adding an intriguing kickstart, England’s summer will host Zimbabwe’s first Test match in the country since 2003, set to take place as a four-day game at Trent Bridge commencing on May 22.
The cricketing drama continues even beyond the summer’s core events. Towards the end of the season, England’s men will face South Africa in another competitive series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, running from September 2 to September 14. In addition to these fixtures, the England men’s team will also travel to Ireland within the same month to compete in three ODIs scheduled for September 17, 19, and 21.
Richard Gould, the ECB Chief Executive Officer, shared his enthusiasm about the 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,” he stated. Gould referenced the previous successes of the Ashes and Pakistan series, expressing his excitement for the upcoming simultaneous series against the West Indies and India. “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 added.
Highlighting the impact of India’s tour, Gould remarked, “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 too. 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.”
A noteworthy mention by Gould was about the future tour plans for India women’s team. He revealed that India women will return in 2026 for an unprecedented event: the first-ever women’s Test match at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The comprehensive schedule for England’s Home Summer 2025 is as follows:
– **Men’s Test against Zimbabwe**
– **Women’s White-Ball Series against West Indies**
– **Men’s White-Ball Series against West Indies**
– **Men’s Test Series against India**
– **Women’s White-Ball Series against India Women**
– **Men’s White-Ball Series against South Africa**
This diverse and thrilling lineup underscores the ECB’s commitment to delivering high-caliber cricket, promising an unforgettable summer for fans and players alike. The dual focus on both men’s and women’s matches resonates with the broader objectives of promoting and expanding the reach of cricket, ensuring every game is more than just a match, but a spectacle to behold.