England Cricketer Takes A Break From First Class Cricket To Join PSL Side Karachi Kings

England cricketer James Vince has decided to skip red-ball cricket for 2025 in a bid to participate in the Pakistan Super League this year. The 33-year-old has been retained by Karachi Kings PSL 2025.

As per the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) new policy, a No-objection certificate will only be issued to white ball experts for competitions held during the English season. Vince will also step down as the club captain in the County Championship but will continue to lead the Hampshire Hawks in the Vitality Blast.

For the first time, PSL will have a clash with the IPL as the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to stage it in the April-May timeframe. Instead of skipping the PSL, Vince decided to sign an alternative deal which will enable him to play white ball cricket for Hampshire alongside fulfilling his obligation to play for the Karachi Kings.

Hampshire issued a statement confirming the development.

“Hampshire’s James Vince has announced a commitment to white ball cricket in 2025.

“James Vince has signed a revision to the final year of his contract which fulfils his obligation to play for Hampshire Hawks in the 2025 Vitaliy Blast campaign and confirms that he is not planning to play red ball cricket this year.

“After ten consecutive years as Club Captain, Vince will also step down from this position but will remain as team captain of Hampshire Hawks.”

Vince said he wanted to take a decision at this stage of his career in a bid to maintain a balance between his family and cricket.

"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."

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.