England mixture James Vince He decided to leave first-class cricket for 2025 in order to make himself available for it Pakistan Premier League 2025. The decision has come as a shock to the Hampshire Cricket Team and their supporters as Vince is one of their highly experienced players.
Vince has been an integral part of the Hampshire team across formats for years now. He is also the captain of the team but has now decided to ditch the red ball system. However, he will continue to play white-ball cricket for Hampshire.
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James Vince is withdrawing from first-class cricket to play PSL
According to the ECB's new policy, the Governing Council will only grant NOCs to participate in overseas leagues for white-ball specialists in tournaments held during the English summer when the County Championship is played, with the exception of the Indian Super League, which is an exception.
This policy has left Vince to withdraw from first-class cricket or give up his PSL contract. The 33-year-old Englishman chose the former after considering his future and his family.
In a statement, James Vince thanked Hampshire Cricket but stressed that he still has the desire to perform for them in T20 cricket. He claimed that his family and future were the biggest reasons for giving up County championship.
Notably, Vince moved his family to Dubai following the attacks on his home last year, and Hampshire has cited this as one of the main reasons behind him securing a new white-ball-only deal for 2025.
“I love Hampshire. It's been my club and home for 16 years, so I want to be able to maintain my best ability to continue to deliver for Hampshire in T20 cricket, and hopefully build on our success in the (Blowout) competition,” Vince stated.
“I also need to understand what's best for my family, and combine that with the stage I'm at in my career. I'm so grateful to everyone at the Utilita Bowl for supporting me last year during a really tough time, and for letting me do this.” “To take that next step,” he added.
James Vince's withdrawal does not mean that he has completely retired from first-class cricket. He could return to the domestic red-ball circuit in England later. However, the chances of him joining the England Test team are very low.
Giles White responds to James Vince's decision
Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White has issued a statement in support of James Vince and asked fans to understand his situation. He's looking forward to playing Vince at Vitality Blast.
“James (Vince) has been at the heart of the club for the best part of 20 years and has shown absolute commitment on and off the field as club captain and club captain,” White said.
“We realize this announcement will be tinged with disappointment for many fans but we hope everyone will join us in celebrating what he has given to our club over many years and supporting him as he delivers on his commitment to continue leading the Hawks in an explosion of vitality for 2025,” he added.
James Vince's PSL numbers
James Vince has been retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the 2025 PSL 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 Big Bash League 2024-25 where he has scored 228 runs in six matches at an average of 45.60 and a strike rate of 139.02. He has hit one hundred and fifty this season so far.
