England and Pakistan Reportedly Set for Test Clash Before Ashes 2027

As per recent media reports, Pakistan are set to play a one-off Test against England ahead of the Ashes 2027. The match is expected to take place at Old Trafford in late May, during the time of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027.

“Next summer, an England Test against Pakistan in late May, at Old Trafford, is currently scheduled during the IPL. That precedes the Ashes, which will begin at Trent Bridge, the most northerly ground of the series.” said the media report.

“Trent Bridge has not hosted an Ashes Test since 2015, a match best remembered for Stuart Broad’s extraordinary eight for 15,” added the report.

Interestingly, Pakistan already have a three-match Test series lined up against England in August this year, as per the Future Tour Program (FTP).

The series begins on 19 August at Headingley in Leeds. The second Test is scheduled for 27 August at Lord’s, while the final match will be played on 9 September at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The report also says that England’s top all-format players could miss Test matches in 2028 because of the Olympics.

Since England are the highest-ranked T20 side in Europe, Team Great Britain will take part in the event along with India, Australia, and South Africa, while the United States qualify as hosts, with one more place still to be decided.

Keeping the Olympics 2028 in view, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also set up a new body called GB Cricket to manage their participation in the tournament.

England are set to host the West Indies for a three-match Test series in 2027, which will overlap with the Olympics.

The report says that it is still not clear how Team GB will pick its squad, and there is also doubt over whether England’s top players across formats will be available. Because of this, it is not certain that regular Test players will miss the West Indies series.

Even so, the ECB seems keen to back cricket’s return to the Olympics and make sure the top players are available for it.

England vs Pakistan Test Series 2026

• 19 August – 1st Test – Headingley, Leeds
• 27 August – 2nd Test – Lord’s, London
• 9 September – 3rd Test – Edgbaston, Birmingham