In an eagerly anticipated announcement, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled the schedule for the 2025 summer. Cricket fans are set to witness a double treat as both the men’s and women’s teams of England will face top-tier competition in back-to-back series against India, making it a significant summer for the sport.
The marquee event of the summer will be the men’s five-match Test series against India, set to take place between June 20 and August 4. Leeds will set the stage, hosting the first Test from June 20. Cricket enthusiasts will then shift their attention to Birmingham, where the second Test will commence on July 2. Following this, the historic Lord’s in London will host the third Test from July 10—a venue synonymous with cricket’s prestigious legacy. As the series progresses, Manchester will host the crucial fourth Test, leading to a dramatic conclusion at The Oval for the fifth and final Test.
Meanwhile, the England women’s team will also be in action against their Indian counterparts. Their series includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs), running from June 28 to July 22. The women’s tour kicks off with T20I games: Nottingham will host the first on June 28, followed by matches in Bristol on July 1, The Oval on July 4, Manchester on July 9, and Birmingham on July 12. The tour then transitions to the ODI format, featuring matches in Southampton on July 16, Lord’s on July 19, and concluding in Chester-le-Street on July 22.
Adding to this summer spectacle, India’s series will be preceded by a visit from the West Indies, who will also square off against both England’s men’s and women’s teams. Both teams will engage in three ODIs and three T20Is each, thus warming up an already sizzling cricket calendar.
England’s international cricket season will kick off with a historic first, as Zimbabwe plays its first Test on English soil since 2003. This four-day match is scheduled at Trent Bridge from May 22, setting the tone for a summer replete with competitive cricket.
. Towards the climax of the season, the England men’s squad will face South Africa in a white-ball series, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled between September 2 and September 14. Furthermore, England’s calendar will also feature a shorter trip to Ireland for three ODIs on September 17, 19, and 21.
Speaking on the packed and diverse itinerary, ECB CEO Richard Gould expressed enthusiasm for the dual men’s and women’s series format, highlighting its appeal among fans and its role in supporting the growth of women’s cricket. “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 said.
The anticipation surrounding India’s tour is unmistakable. Reflecting on recent past contests, 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.” He continued to praise the competitive spirit of the women’s series, stating, “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.”
The upcoming 2025 series promises to be a historic occasion, with the ECB revealing that India women will return to England in 2026 to play the inaugural women’s Test at Lord’s. This marks a pivotal development in women’s cricket, expanding the horizons of opportunities and visibility for the sport.
England Home Summer 2025 – Full schedule:
– 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 a blend of historic firsts, fierce rivalries, and summer-defining matches, the 2025 cricket season in England is set to be nothing short of spectacular. Fans are eagerly waiting to fill the stands and cheer on their teams in what promises to be a memorable summer of cricket.