Press release -
ECB unveils plans to host full summer of international cricket in 2021
- Provisional schedule includes a five-Test series against India, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan also expected to visit in June and July
- England Women plan to host South Africa and New Zealand
- England Visually Impaired team expected to line up against Australia in August
- Matches due to take place across England and Wales
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has today set out plans to host international series across men’s, women’s and disability cricket in 2021.
Building on this summer’s behind closed door men’s and women’s internationals, the ECB is preparing to stage matches at grounds across England and Wales next year.
A five-Test series against India is planned to headline the men’s international summer, following a Royal London Series against Sri Lanka and a Royal London Series and Vitality IT20 Series against Pakistan.
Current plans see England Women set to play South Africa in a Royal London Series and Vitality IT20 Series before hosting New Zealand in a Royal London Series and Vitality IT20 Series.
The England Visually Impaired team is also planning to host Australia in a limited-overs series in August, subject to Covid-19 restrictions. England hold the Ashes after their resounding success in Adelaide four years ago with fixtures and dates for next summer’s series also yet to be finalised.
Discussions about further series are continuing with the possibility of scheduling additional men’s bilateral cricket in June including Test cricket and a Vitality IT20 Series against Sri Lanka. The ECB will be able to further progress these plans when the detailed scheduling arrangements for the World Test Championship Final, proposed to take place in June 2021, have been finalised by ICC.
Ballots for Men’s Internationals have opened today. The outlook around Covid-19 remains uncertain and so venues and dates are provisional and subject to change.
All ticket purchasers are provided with a Ticket Refund Promise to guard against the potential impact of Covid-19 next summer. This ensures fans will get a refund if their ticket is cancelled due to full crowds not returning to stadiums due to Covid-19, or if they are unable to attend a match they purchased a ticket for because of a change in date or venue for that match.
ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison, said: “We had an amazing summer of international cricket this year with some memorable performances, and we know how much enjoyment it brought to people whilst staying at home.
“Next year we’ve got another big international programme to look forward to, with the thrill of a five-Test series against India as the centrepiece, compelling white ball series for our men and women, and an Ashes Series for our Visually Impaired team. It’s an exciting prospect for England fans, and while Covid means there’s still a great deal of uncertainty, we really hope to be able to welcome fans back into the grounds safely next year to bring that unique atmosphere to stadia across the country.”
For most host venues, tickets for the men’s matches are initially available via a ticket ballot, with details on each host venue’s website. General sale tickets are available on 12 January 2021.
Dates and venues for the women’s series will be confirmed and tickets are expected to go on sale next year. Fixtures and dates for the visually impaired series are also yet to be confirmed.
Provisional 2021 England Men’s home internationals
England Men’s Royal London Series against Sri Lanka
The first scheduled series in this initial announcement will see Eoin Morgan’s World Cup-winning team host Sri Lanka in a three-match Royal London Series.
Tue 29 June England v Sri Lanka 1st ODI Emirates Riverside, Durham
Thu 1 July England v Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Kia Oval
Sun 4 July England v Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Bristol County Ground
England Men’s Series against Pakistan
Pakistan are set to return to England for two series after they played matches behind closed doors in England this summer.
Royal London Series
Thu 8 July England v Pakistan 1st ODI Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Sat 10 July England v Pakistan 2nd ODI Lord’s
Tue 13 July England v Pakistan 3rd ODI Edgbaston
Vitality IT20 Series
Fri 16 July England v Pakistan 1st IT20 Trent Bridge
Sun 18 July England v Pakistan 2nd IT20 Emerald Headingley
Tue 20 July England v Pakistan 3rd IT20 Emirates Old Trafford
England Men’s Test Series against India
The Test series against India is due to conclude the Men’s international summer, with Tests at Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Emerald Headingley, the Kia Oval and Emirates Old Trafford.
Wed 4-8 Aug England v India 1st Test Match Trent Bridge
Thu 12-16 Aug England v India 2nd Test Match Lord’s
Wed 25-29 Aug England v India 3rd Test Match Emerald Headingley
Thu 2-6 Sept England v India 4th Test Match Kia Oval
Fri 10-14 Sept England v India 5th Test Match Emirates Old Trafford
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
For more information go to ecb.co.uk
The details of the Ticket Refund Promise will be clearly communicated to ticket purchasers at the point of sale and, should Covid-19 affect a match(es) a ticket buyer is due to attend, the host venues will inform them of their options.
The volume of tickets available will vary by venue, given some supporters have already rolled over tickets purchased for 2020 Test matches.
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