England batsman James Vince has decided to quit first-class cricket by 2025 to be available for the Pakistan Super League 2025. The decision came as a surprise to Hampshire Cricket and its fans as Vince is one of its most experienced players.

Vince has been an integral part of the Hampshire team in all formats for years now. 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.

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James Vince retires from first-class cricket to play PSL

Under the ECB’s new policy, the board will only grant NOCs participation in foreign leagues to white-ball specialists for tournaments that take place during the English summer when the county championship is played, apart from the IPL, which is an exception.

Politics had left Vince either retiring from first-class cricket or resigning from his PSL contract. The 33-year-old English batsman chose the former after considering his and his family’s future.

In a statement, James Vince thanked Hampshire Cricket but maintained that he is still hungry to perform for them in T20 cricket. He claimed his family and his future as the main reasons for giving up the county championship.

Notably, Vince moved his family to Dubai after the attacks on his home last year and Hampshire has cited this as one of the main reasons why he secured a new exclusive white-ball deal for 2025.

“I love Hampshire. It’s been my club and my home for 16 years, so I want to be able to keep up my best effort to continue delivering results for Hampshire in T20 cricket and hopefully continue to drive our success in the (Blast) competition.” , Vince posted.

“I also need to understand what is best for my family and combine that with the stage of my career I am in. I am very grateful to everyone at Utilita Bowl for supporting me last year in a really difficult time and for allowing me to give the next step,” he added.

James Vince’s retirement does not mean he has completely retired from first-class cricket. He may return to England’s domestic red-ball circuit later. However, the chances of him making the England Test team are quite low.

Giles White responds to James Vince’s decision

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White issued a statement in support of James Vince and asked his supporters to understand his situation. Looking forward to Vince playing in Vitality Blast.

“James (Vince) has been at the heart of the club for the best part of 20 years, showing absolute commitment on and off the field as leading batsman and team captain,” White said.

“We recognize that 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 support him as he fulfills his commitment to continue leading the Hawks in the Vitality Blast 2025.” he added.

James Vince’s PSL numbers

James Vince was signed 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 PSL so far and scored 1166 runs at an average of 27.76 and a strike rate of 136.69 with four fifties.

He is currently representing 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. So far he has reached one hundred and fifty so far this season.