Emirates Old Trafford is one of England’s premier cricket venues — a Hilton hotel embedded within the stands, floodlights visible from the Manchester skyline, and a capacity that dwarfs almost every county ground in the North. On a big Friday night T20, with 15,000 fans under those lights and a Manchester crowd in full voice, Old Trafford is as electric a domestic cricket venue as you will find anywhere in England.

In 2026, the ground’s T20 summer is unmissable. Lancashire Lightning play four home double-headers including the War of the Roses against Yorkshire — the biggest fixture in the North Group and one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the entire Vitality Blast season.

Lancashire Lightning 2026 T20 Blast — Squad Overview

Lancashire combine youth and experience for a balanced, powerful T20 squad capable of going all the way in 2026. Ben McDermott returns as the overseas batter — the Australian wicketkeeper-bat who was one of the most destructive openers in T20 cricket over the 2025/26 Big Bash season. Keaton Jennings and George Balderson add domestic quality, while Jos Buttler’s central contract position affects his availability but he is expected to play selected Lightning fixtures when England scheduling permits.

Emirates Old Trafford T20 Blast 2026 — Full Men’s Fixture List

The Blast home campaign begins on Bank Holiday Monday (25 May), launching a run of unmissable T20 cricket as Lancashire Lightning and Thunder take to the field — including in four double headers. A highlight of the summer will be Emirates Old Trafford’s Family Day on Sunday 12 July, as Lancashire Thunder and Lightning host Durham, with a range of activities and entertainment planned around the fixture.

Alt: Lancashire Lightning men’s T20 Blast 2026 fixture list at Emirates Old Trafford showing home games, the Roses T20 and Blackpool outground. Source: Lancashire Cricket 2026.

Pitch & Ground Conditions at Emirates Old Trafford

Old Trafford’s pitch is a variable surface. Manchester’s famously changeable weather means swing is always a factor early in innings, particularly in May and June when cloud cover is common. The pitch itself tends to offer good pace and bounce in T20 fixtures, making it one of the fairer T20 venues for both batters and seamers.

• Average first-innings T20 score at Old Trafford: approximately 160–170
• Cloud cover and humidity regularly assist seam movement in the powerplay
• The ground’s large capacity (19,000 domestic) creates a powerful atmosphere on big nights
• The Hilton Garden Inn inside the stadium means some guests watch cricket from their hotel rooms — book well in advance for match weekends
• Square boundaries are generous at Old Trafford — teams target the straight boundaries

Emirates Old Trafford T20 Blast 2026 Tickets

Fans can take advantage of Early Bird pricing across domestic fixtures, with tickets available at up to £10 cheaper than matchday prices.

Travel Guide — Emirates Old Trafford

• Metrolink (recommended): Trafford Bar stop on the Altrincham/Timperley Green Line — 10-minute walk to the ground along Brian Statham Way. Journey from Manchester city centre approximately 15 minutes.
• Train + Bus: Manchester Piccadilly or Oxford Road — then bus routes 252/256 to Old Trafford. Journey approximately 25–30 minutes from Piccadilly.
• Bus: Routes 252, 256 from Manchester city centre pass Old Trafford cricket ground — alight at the main entrance stop.
• By car: Junction 7 or 8 of the M60 motorway. Limited on-site parking for T20 fixtures — book via the official website. Consider parking in Sale or Stretford and taking the Metrolink.
• Address: Emirates Old Trafford, Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0PX. Cashless venue — bring a bank card.