James Vince ends 16-year first-class career with Hampshire to join PSL’s Karachi Kings in 2025

James Vince, Hampshire’s captain and a key player, has announced his decision to quit first-class cricket to join Karachi Kings in the PSL. This bold move paves the way for him to sign a lucrative £100,000 deal with the Pakistan Super League franchise.

Vince’s decision comes in the wake of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) new policy on issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players for overseas leagues. Implemented in November 2024, the policy prohibits cricketers from participating in T20 leagues – except the IPL – that overlap with the English summer. White-ball cricketers are restricted from leagues coinciding with the T20 Blast or The Hundred, while red-ball cricketers face similar restrictions for leagues overlapping with the County Championship.

This posed a dilemma for Vince, who has been Hampshire’s captain across all formats and led them to three consecutive top-three County Championship finishes. The overlap between the PSL and the County Championship forced him to choose between formats. His record-breaking performances for Hampshire over the past four seasons and his dedication to the team had made him indispensable. Yet, Vince opted to step back from red-ball cricket to secure his family’s future and continue his career in the PSL.

“I love Hampshire,” Vince said, reflecting on his 16-year association with the club. “It’s been my club and home, and I want to continue contributing to T20 cricket, particularly in the Vitality Blast. But I also have to balance what’s best for my family and the stage of my career.”

Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, expressed his understanding of the decision while acknowledging the disappointment it may bring to fans. “James has been the heart of this club for two decades, showing unwavering commitment as our leading batter and captain. We hope supporters will celebrate his incredible contributions and back him as he leads the Hawks in the Vitality Blast.”

Vince’s departure comes amid a challenging personal chapter. In July 2024, he revealed his home had been attacked twice, prompting him to relocate to Dubai. Despite these setbacks, Vince has continued to excel on the pitch. Across 216 first-class matches, he scored 13,340 runs at an average of 40.18, with 30 centuries. He also represented England in 13 Tests, scoring 548 runs between 2016 and 2018.

This decision makes Vince the first high-profile player to leave first-class cricket following the ECB’s new policy. He will continue to lead Hampshire in T20 competitions, aiming to build on their success in the Vitality Blast.

While his departure marks the end of an era in Hampshire’s red-ball history, Vince’s move to T20 franchise cricket underscores the growing tension between domestic commitments and the financial allure of global leagues.