England’s Hectic 2025 Schedule: Balancing ODI and T20 Commitments

England’s cricket calendar for 2025 has seen a significant adjustment, with a three-match ODI series against Ireland moved from June to September. Initially planned for the middle of England’s Test series against India, this change in the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (2023-27) offers some breathing space in an otherwise packed summer.

Adjusting The Ireland Series

The shift to late September appears to be a mutually beneficial arrangement. For England, it alleviates some of the congestion in mid-summer and might allow for a stronger squad selection. Ireland, on the other hand, can look forward to hosting their first three-match series against England. Although late-season dates bring weather uncertainties, Malahide, just north of Dublin, is expected to be the venue, promising an attractive destination for travelling England fans.

Challenges For New Head Coach

This rescheduling underscores the complexities awaiting England’s new white-ball coach, following Matthew Mott’s departure. The relentless schedule means the new coach will struggle to secure more access to multi-format players for bilateral series—crucial for building team cohesion ahead of World Cups. The demanding itinerary, which stretches from May next year until March, includes an Ashes series, pivotal for Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s Bazball project.

England’s Busy Schedule

Rest of 2024

• Aug-Sept: 3xTest v Sri Lanka, home
• Sept: 3xT20, 5xODI v Australia, home
• Oct: 3xTest v Pakistan, away
• Nov: 3xODI, 5xT20 v West Indies, away
• Dec: 3xTest v New Zealand, away

2025

• Jan-Feb: 5xT20, 3xODI v India, away
• Feb-March: Champions Trophy, Pakistan
• May: 1xTest v Zimbabwe, home
• June: World Test Championship final
• June: 3xT20, 3xODI v West Indies, home
• June-July: 5xTest v India, home
• Sept: 3xT20, 3xODI v South Africa, home
• Sept: 3xODI v Ireland, away
• Oct: 3xODI, 3xT20 v New Zealand, away
• Nov-Jan: 5xTest v Australia, away

2026

• Jan: 3xODI, 3xT20 v Sri Lanka, away
• Feb: T20 World Cup, India

Navigating The Packed Schedule

The home summer of 2025 begins with a solitary Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. This will be England’s first Test against Zimbabwe since the series where Jimmy Anderson made his debut in 2003. The ECB has taken the unusual step of paying Zimbabwe a tour fee to facilitate this match, which may clash with the latter stages of the Indian Premier League, potentially affecting player availability.

The World Test Championship final, slated for early June at Lord’s, is unlikely to feature England barring a remarkable turnaround in form. Following this, England will engage in a five-Test series against India, mirroring the timeline of the 2023 Ashes, likely concluding by early August.

Managing Resources for Optimal Performance

England’s white-ball commitments are equally intensive. In June, West Indies will visit for three ODIs and three T20s, with the ODIs rescheduled from September. Post-Hundred, South Africa will tour for three ODIs and T20s. This crowded schedule necessitates meticulous resource management to prevent player burnout before the Ashes in Australia.

The Ashes series will be England’s sole red-ball cricket in the 2025/26 season. However, the white-ball commitments continue unabated. In October 2025, England will tour New Zealand for three ODIs and three T20s, followed by a series in Sri Lanka for three ODIs and T20s. This whirlwind schedule culminates in the T20 World Cup in India in February and March 2026.

Conclusion

England’s cricketing calendar for 2025 presents a formidable challenge, balancing Test and white-ball commitments across numerous series and tournaments. The adjustment of the Ireland ODI series to September is a pragmatic move, offering some respite in a congested schedule. For the new head coach, the key will be managing player workloads and maintaining team cohesion amidst this relentless schedule. With strategic planning and resource management, England can navigate this demanding period and continue to perform at the highest level across all formats.