The 33-year-old Vince was retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL draft on Monday. The ECB announced in November that it would only provide NOCs – the paperwork required for players to play in overseas leagues – to white-ball specialists for tournaments taking place during the English season, with the notable exception of the IPL.
The new policy, and the PCB’s decision to move its flagship tournament to the new April–May window, gave Vince a choice between leaving the PSL at significant financial cost or renegotiating the final year of his Hampshire contract to become a whitewash. Gave. Ball specialist. In a move confirmed by the club on Wednesday morning, he has chosen the latter.
“I like Hampshire,” Vince said. “This has been my club and home for 16 years, so I want to be able to continue to bring my best for Hampshire in T20 cricket, and hopefully continue our success in the competition [the Blast]I also need to understand what’s best for my family, and combine that with where I am in my career.”
Hampshire cited Vince’s decision to move his family to Dubai – where he is currently playing for the Gulf Giants – following a series of unexplained attacks on his home in the county last year, as a key factor in his new deal. As a factor. “I’m extremely grateful to everyone at Utility Bowl for supporting me through some tough times last year and allowing me to take this next step,” Vince said.
Hampshire’s director of cricket Giles White asked the club’s supporters to be understanding of Vince’s decision. “James has been at the heart of the club for the best part of 20 years, showing full commitment on and off the field as the team’s key batsman and captain,” he said.
“We recognize that this announcement will be disappointing for many fans, but hope everyone will join us in celebrating what he has given to our club over many years and support him as he moves into the 2025 Vitality Blast. Fulfill his commitment to continue leading the Hawks.”
Vince is the first high-profile player to make a major career decision in light of the ECB’s new policy and even though, at the age of 33, he was unlikely to add to his 13 Test caps, his move is significant. He has captained Hampshire since 2015 and has been the linchpin of their batting line-up, scoring 29 centuries and averaging 41.22 in 197 first-class matches for them.
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