ECB announces summer 2025 schedule: India, South Africa and West Indies to tour England

Table of Contents

England to open the summer with historic Zimbabwe Test
West Indies series: White-ball action begins in Birmingham
Blockbuster India Test series: Five-match leg begins in June
South Africa to conclude home summer with limited-overs series
ECB focused on balancing Test and white-ball cricket
Summer 2025 schedule

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled the international cricket schedule for the summer of 2025, featuring a packed lineup of bilateral series. England’s men’s team will face Zimbabwe, West Indies, India, and South Africa in a series of Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). The summer will conclude with a tour of Ireland.

England to open the summer with historic Zimbabwe Test

The English summer kicks off with a historic one-off Test against Zimbabwe, set to be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham from May 22-25, 2025. This marks Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in England after more than 20 years. The encounter will be a significant moment for both nations, with England expected to provide a tough challenge to the developing Zimbabwean side.

West Indies series: White-ball action begins in Birmingham

Following the Test match against Zimbabwe, England will shift focus to white-ball cricket as they host the West Indies for three ODIs and three T20Is. The series will begin on May 29 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, with subsequent matches taking place across Cardiff, London, Chester-le-Street, Bristol, and Southampton. This series is expected to showcase explosive cricket, with both teams known for their aggressive style in the shorter formats of the game.

Blockbuster India Test series: Five-match leg begins in June

One of the highlights of the summer will be the five-match Test series between England and India, beginning on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The rivalry between these two cricketing giants has produced some memorable moments in the past, and the upcoming series is expected to be another thrilling chapter. Matches will also be played at iconic venues including Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould expressed excitement about the India series. In a media release, he stated, “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.”

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South Africa to conclude home summer with limited-overs series

The final leg of England’s home summer will see the team take on South Africa in a limited-overs series, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. The series will run through September, starting with an ODI at Headingley on September 2 and wrapping up with a T20I at Trent Bridge on September 14. Following the conclusion of this series, England will travel to Ireland for a three-match ODI series from September 17-21.

ECB focused on balancing Test and white-ball cricket

Gould emphasized the importance of supporting Test cricket while also showcasing England’s strength in white-ball formats. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket and the significance of ensuring the format’s future: “Test cricket is so beloved in this country, and we know that we have an important role to play in supporting developing Test cricketing nations so that this format of the game thrives long into the future.”