Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

England batter James Vince has opted to quit First-Class cricket and decided to play for the Karachi Kings in the upcoming edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. Vince was notably picked in the PSL 2025 draft, followed by which the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not grant him a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the premium T20 league.

Moreover, the ECB decided to not issue NOCs to all-format players to participate in the PSL in November 2024. This came seeing that the league overlaps with early rounds of the County Champions in April-May this season.

James Vince quits FC cricket to play PSL 2025 for Karachi Kings

Vince, who was initially anticipated to lead Hampshire this season, was retained by Karachi Kings ahead of the PSL draft. A veteran of 13 Tests, Vince in a statement clarified that Hampshire has been his home for 16 years, but wants to prioritise what’s good for him and his family at this moment.

"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),” 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,” he added.

Hampshire's Director of Cricket, Giles White also 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 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," White 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," he continued. It is to be noted that the 33-year-old, who has captained Hampshire since 2015, is currently playing for the Gulf Giants in the ILT20 tournament in the UAE.