England's James Vince quits first-class cricket to join Karachi Kings

English batter defied the ECB's decision not to grant No Objection Certificates to its players for super league.

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England batter James Vince has announced his decision to retire from First-Class cricket in order to play for Karachi Kings in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL), defying the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision not to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to its players for the T20 competition.

The ECB had declared in November 2024 that it would withhold NOCs for all-format players to participate in the PSL, which is scheduled to run from April to May.

The league's timing clashes with the early rounds of the County Championship, leading to the board’s stance on limiting participation in overseas T20 leagues.

 

 

 

 

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Vince, who has represented England in 13 Tests and has been a key figure for Hampshire for 16 years, was expected to lead his county side this season. However, he was retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL draft, deciding to pursue a career in T20 cricket.

“I love Hampshire. It’s been my club and home for 16 years, so I want to maintain my best to keep delivering for Hampshire in T20 cricket, and hopefully even further our success in the competition (the Blast),” Vince said in a statement. “I also need to understand what is best for my family, and combine that with the stage of my career I am at.”

The 33-year-old, who has captained Hampshire since 2015, is currently playing in the UAE's ILT20 tournament for Gulf Giants.

Hampshire’s Director of Cricket, Giles White, expressed respect for Vince's decision: “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. We recognise 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.”

In related news, England batter Tom Kohler-Cadmore is also set to leave County cricket to play for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL as he is reportedly in discussions with Somerset over his future plans.