England's 33-year-old batter James Vince has decided to quit his first-class cricket for 2025 to play for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. The decision comes after England Cricket Board's (ECB) new policy which does not let players from skipping domestic cricket to play in overseas leagues. The move was announced last month to prevent domestic cricket from geting "undermined" by mushrooming T20 leagues around the world.
Shan Masood-led Karachi Kings retained Vince in PSL draft on January 13. So far, the policy only announces players to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the English domestic season. Vince said that he had to take the decision for his family. He is now a white-ball speciallist for Hampshire.
"I love Hampshire. It's been my club and home for 16 years, so I want to be able to maintain my best to keep delivering for Hampshire in T20 cricket, and hopefully even further our success in the competition [the Blast]. I also need to understand what is best for my family, and combine that with the stage of my career I am at," Vince was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Vince's family has relocated to Dubai. He is currently leading Gulf Giants in the International League T20 (ILT20). He was forced to move out due to attacks on his home in the country.
"I am so grateful to everyone at Utilita Bowl for supporting me last year through a really tough time, and for allowing me to make this next step," Vince said.
Hampshire director urges fans to support Vince
Hampshire's director of cricket, Giles White wants the club's supporters to back Vince for taking the tough decision. He said that Vince will continue to play for Hampshire in the white-ball formats.
"James has been at the heart of the club for the best part of 20 years, showing absolute commitment on and off the field as the team's leading batter and captain," he said.
"We recognise that this announcement will be tinged with disappointment for many fans but hope everyone will join us in celebrating what he has given to our club over many years and supporting him as he fulfils his commitment to continue leading the Hawks in the 2025 Vitality Blast."
Vince's first-class career
Vince is the leading run-scorer for Hampshire. He has scored 13,340 runs from 216 games at an average of 40.18 including 30 centuries and 58 fifties. Vince seems to understand that he is unlikely to make a comeback to the Test squad. His last Test appearance was in 2018. From 13 Tests, he has scored 548 runs at an average of 24.90 including three fifties.