In a thrilling announcement for cricket aficionados, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has released the much-anticipated schedule for the summer of 2025. This action-packed season promises to deliver exhilarating matches as both the England men’s and women’s teams are set to lock horns with formidable opponents, including the highly awaited series against India.
The spotlight of the summer will undoubtedly be the England men’s five-match Test series against India, slated to take place from June 20 to August 4. The series will kick off in Leeds with the first Test starting on June 20. The cricket carnival will then move to Birmingham for the second Test on July 2, followed by the iconic Lord’s hosting the third Test from July 10. The action will continue with the fourth Test in Manchester, and the grand finale will unfold at The Oval.
Parallel to the men’s series, the England women’s team will engage in a riveting series against the India women’s team. This series will feature three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs), commencing from June 28 and concluding on July 22. Nottingham will be the stage for the first T20I on June 28, followed by encounters in Bristol on July 1 and The Oval on July 4. As the series progresses, Manchester and Birmingham will host the last two T20Is on July 9 and July 12, respectively. The ODIs will take center stage with Southampton hosting the first match on July 16, followed by fixtures at Lord’s on July 19 and Chester-le-Street on July 22.
Before the Indian teams set foot on English soil, the cricketing summer will be initiated by a visit from the West Indies. Both the England men’s and women’s teams will engage in a white-ball series against the Caribbean giants. Each team will contest three ODIs and three T20Is, promising a feast of high-octane cricket action.
The excitement doesn’t end there as Zimbabwe will mark their return to Test cricket in England for the first time since 2003.
. A four-day Test is scheduled to be held at Trent Bridge from May 22, providing an enthralling start to the English summer. Towards the latter part of the season, the England men’s team will face off against South Africa in a series comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, from September 2 to September 14. Additionally, September will see England visiting Ireland for three ODIs on September 17, 19, and 21, ensuring a comprehensive cricket calendar.
Richard Gould, the ECB CEO, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the twin series format, which has resonated positively with cricket fans. “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, with both the Ashes last year and the Pakistan series earlier this year proving 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,” Gould remarked.
Gould’s excitement was palpable as he further highlighted the charm and competitive spirit of India touring England. “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, 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,” Gould added. He also disclosed that India women will return to England in 2026, marking a historic occasion as they will participate in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s.
The summer of 2025 is packed with a robust line-up of matches, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement for cricket enthusiasts. Here is the full schedule for England’s home summer in 2025:
– Men’s Test v Zimbabwe
– Women’s White-Ball Series v West Indies
– Men’s White-Ball Series v West Indies
– Men’s Test Series v India
– Women’s White-Ball Series v India Women
– Men’s White-Ball Series v South Africa
With an array of fixtures that promise to deliver high-quality cricket, fans can look forward to a summer filled with thrilling moments, fierce competition, and unforgettable memories. The ECB’s meticulous scheduling underscores its commitment to fostering both men’s and women’s cricket, ensuring that the 2025 season will be one for the books.