Edgbaston to host string of international fixtures until 2031 in major boost for Birmingham
Edgbaston’s status amongst the world’s leading cricket venues has been underlined after the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the stadium will host major men’s and women’s international fixtures until 2031.
ECB’s home international schedule covering the period from 2025-31 includes a selection of Tests, ODIs and IT20s at the stadium.
And it promises to bring a much-welcomed economic boost to the city’s hotels, bars and restaurants – estimated at around a quarter of a billion pounds over the seven years – as well as promoting the West Midlands on a global stage.
Here’s what is in store for cricket fans at Edgbaston:
Men’s Test Match cricket will come to Birmingham every year, between 2024 and 2031, apart from the ICC T20 World Cup year in 2030 when tournament games will likely be played at the stadium.
Men’s Ashes will return to Edgbaston in 2027 and India will head to Birmingham for Tests in 2025 and 2029, with additional Test opponents announced in due course.
Edgbaston will also host a range of Women’s white-ball internationals in 2025, 2027, 2029, 2030 and 2031, with the potential of more to come as the women’s game grows.
Edgbaston, the home of T20 cricket, retains the sell-out Vitality Blast Finals Day until at least 2031.
Birmingham Phoenix men’s and women’s The Hundred fixtures continue to be played at Edgbaston until at least 2028.
Based on previous economic impact reports, this seven-year allocation could be worth up to £250m to Birmingham’s economy, with up to 100,000 people visiting the city for a major Test Match, including some 60% travelling from more than 50 miles away.
Edgbaston chair Mark McCafferty said: “This is massive news for Edgbaston, Birmingham and the West Midlands bringing a tangible boost to the economy as well as world class cricket to fans who love the unique Edgbaston atmosphere.
“It’s our largest ever allocation of international fixtures, for the longest period and we would not have achieved it without the efforts of everyone working at Edgbaston, as well as the support of Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority.
“In 2019 – when the Aussies last visited Birmingham for the Ashes – Edgbaston attracted around 400,000 visitors and contributed £68-million to the city’s economy.
“We estimate the economic wealth brought to the region from this seven-year major match is at least £250m.
“We’re particularly pleased to be hosting India several times over the coming years and can also expect to host teams like Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
“We know how important these games are to the city’s diverse communities and we’re also particularly excited about the role we shall play in promoting the rapid growth of women’s cricket in the region and globally, following the highly successful Commonwealth Games.”
ECB allocations have been announced for seven years, rather than the previous five-year period, to give venues greater certainty and encourage sustainable investment in world class facilities, such as Edgbaston’s planned re-development of the Raglan Stands to include a hotel.
Details and dates of a Men’s Test and IT20 to be staged at Edgbaston Stadium next year are expected to be confirmed soon.