England batsman James Vince has decided to quit first-class cricket for 2025 to make himself available for Pakistan Super League 2025. The decision has shocked Hampshire Cricket and its fans as Vince is one of their very experienced players.
Vince has been an integral part of Hampshire’s cross-format team for years. He is also the captain of the team, but has now decided to give up the red ball format. However, he will continue to play white-ball cricket for Hampshire.
James Vince retires from first-class cricket to play PSL
Under the ECB’s new policy, the board will only grant NOCs to white-ball specialists to play in overseas leagues for tournaments held during the English summer when the county championship is played, with the exception of the IPL.
Politics has left Vince to either retire from first-class cricket or opt out of his PSL contract. The 33-year-old English striker chose the former after thinking about his future and his family.
In a statement, James Vince thanked Hampshire Cricket but insisted he was still hungry to play for them in T20 cricket. He cited his family and future as the biggest reasons for giving up the county championship.
Notably, Vince moved his family to Dubai following the attack on his home last year, and Hampshire cited this as one of the main reasons why he was given a new white-ball-only contract until 2025.
“I love Hampshire. It’s been my club and home for 16 years, so I want to be able to do my best to continue to deliver results for Hampshire in T20 cricket, and hopefully build on our success in the competition (The Blast) even more.” ” Vince stated.
“I also have to understand what’s best for my family and combine that with the stage of my career I’m in. I’m very grateful to everyone at Utilita Bowl for supporting me last year during a really difficult time and allowing me to take this next step,” he added.
James Vince’s retirement does not mean that he has completely retired from first-class cricket. He can later return to England’s domestic red ball. However, the chances of him making the England Test squad are pretty slim.
Giles White responds to James Vince’s decision
Hampshire director of cricket Giles White issued a statement of support for James Vince and asked fans to understand his situation. Looking forward to Vince playing in Vitality Blast.
“James (Vince) has been at the heart of the club for the better part of 20 years, showing absolute commitment on and off the field as the team’s leading batsman and captain,” White said.
“We are aware that this announcement will be tinged with disappointment for many fans, but we hope that everyone will join us in celebrating what he has given our club over many years and support him as he fulfills his commitment to continue leading the Hawks into Vitality Blast 2025. “, he added.
James Vince’s PSL numbers
James Vince was retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL 2025 draft on January 13. He is likely to bat in the top order for them. Vince has played 45 matches in the PSL so far and has scored 1166 runs at an average of 27.76 and a strike rate of 136.69 with four fifties.
He currently represents the Sydney Sixers in the 2024-25 Big Bash League, where he has scored 228 runs in six matches at an average of 45.60 and a strike rate of 139.02. He has scored a hundred and fifty so far this season.
