Ashes 2025: Record Demand Signals Cricket’s Enduring Appeal in a Changing Landscape
perth, Australia – November 21, 2025 – The battle for the Ashes urn begins today at Optus Stadium in Perth, marking the start of a highly anticipated Test series between England and Australia. More than just a cricket match, the Ashes represents a century-old rivalry that continues to captivate fans and drive meaningful commercial revenue, even as the sport navigates the rise of franchise Twenty20 leagues.
The upcoming series is especially noteworthy, with Australia aiming to retain the Ashes – held since their 2017/18 victory – and England determined to secure their first series win on Australian soil in 14 years. The 2023 series ended in a 2-2 draw, adding further fuel to the fire for this year’s contest.
A testament to Test Cricket’s resilience
In an era increasingly dominated by shorter,faster-paced cricket formats,the Ashes stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of Test cricket. Unlike many other forms of the game, the Ashes consistently generates substantial ticket sales, bolstering broadcast partnerships and attracting lucrative sponsorship deals for national governing bodies.
This year’s pre-sale figures are a striking illustration of this resilience. A staggering 311,066 tickets were sold on the first day, shattering the previous record of 111,741 set in 2017/18. Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg remarked that demand was “since Taylor Swift was here,” suggesting the series could even surpass the sales figures for the pop star’s recent Australian tour,which drew 620,000 fans.
A Demanding Schedule Across Iconic Venues
The 2025 Ashes schedule is a demanding one, encompassing up to 35 days of cricket within a 44-day period. The series will unfold across five iconic Australian venues:
* Optus Stadium, Perth (November 21st) – Marking the first Ashes Test at the venue since its opening in 2018 and the return of the series to Perth after a one-year absence.
* The Gabba, Brisbane (December 4th)
* Adelaide Oval (December 17th)
* Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – Boxing Day Test (December 26th)
* Sydney Cricket Ground (January 4th)
Notably, this is the first Ashes series in Australia not to begin at the Gabba as the 1982/83 edition, adding a unique dynamic to the customary rivalry.
The intense competition and passionate fan base surrounding the Ashes continue to solidify its position as a cornerstone of the cricketing world, proving that some traditions remain powerfully relevant even in a rapidly evolving sporting landscape.