English pastry James Vince criticized England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over its controversial No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy, accusing the governing body of double standards. The policy was introduced by the board in November. Its main feature is that it restricts players from participating in overseas competitions that overlap with the domestic season in England, such as Pakistan Super League (PSL)with the granting of an exemption for Indian Premier League (IPL). The policy has drawn attention for its apparent favoritism to certain leagues. The latest addition to critics of the board’s controversial policy is Vince, who has vehemently criticized the new rule.
James Vince cites ECB favoritism towards IPL
Vince was a part of it England the team that won ODI World Cup 2019 and captained Hampshire in English county cricket. However, the 33-year-old has played domestic cricket for a number of teams in several T20 leagues. His association with the PSL dates back to the 2016 season when he signed a contract with them Karachi Kings. Since then, the English striker has appeared in every season.
His relationship with Pakistan’s elite T20 league was the reason for his frustration with the ECB’s decision. Highlighting the ECB’s double standards in not giving NOCs to players to play in the PSL, Vince attacked the board during a discussion with ESPNcricinfo.
“The PSL is a shorter competition, so if you’re going to play in it, you’re probably missing less domestic cricket than if you’re going to the IPL. So it was a big event that just didn’t feel right,” Vince said.
Vince further speculated that the different treatment of the IPL and PSL could be related to the ECB’s relations with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He suggested that politics could influence the ECB’s decision-making process, with external factors shaping its policies.
“I guess it has to do with the relationship between the ECB, the PCB and the BCCI.” Vince is of the opinion, pointing out favoritism within the ECB.
Also read: 3 Reasons Why Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Can Win IPL 2025 Under Rishabh Pant
Vince bid farewell to Test cricket to focus on the white ball format
Additionally, Vince recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. His decision was largely motivated by family reasons. After unexplained attacks on their home in Hampshire last year, his wife Amy and their two young children decided to move to Dubai. The move made it impractical for Vince to continue playing in the County Championship, particularly as committing to the entire English domestic season would have significant tax implications.
However, the 33-year-old pointed out that the ECB’s NOC policy was also a driving force behind his decision to quit red cricket. Vince further warned that as a result of the ECB’s decision, more players will decide to leave the English domestic circuit and play league cricket abroad.
“When they first mentioned it, a WhatsApp group of players was created and there was a lot of discussion,” the initial feeling was that it would turn people away from red cricket. It felt like it would limit the options. The players were frustrated by that… There were a few things [we] I didn’t really understand,” Vince mentioned.
Vince’s Test cricket career in the national team was short-lived. The explosive batsman played just 13 Test matches for England and scored 548 runs for his national team.
Also read: Controversy erupts as BCCI refuses to print Pakistan’s name on India’s 2025 Champions Trophy jersey.
