England's top-order batter James Vince has decided to skip the County Championship this year to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, as reported on Wednesday.  

The 33-year-old made this decision in response to the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) new No-Objection Certificate (NOC) policy. The policy restricts players from joining overseas leagues during the English summer, including the PSL, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Major League Cricket (MLC), while making an exception for the Indian Premier League (IPL).  

Vince, retained by Karachi Kings in the diamond category for PSL 10, will continue to lead Hampshire’s T20 side but has stepped down as the club’s captain after nine years. He will not participate in this year’s County Championship.  

“Hampshire has been my club and home for 16 years. I want to give my best in T20 cricket and help us achieve more success. At this stage of my career, I also need to consider what’s best for my family,” Vince said. He thanked Hampshire for supporting him through tough times and allowing him to take this step.  

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to move the PSL to an April-May schedule, to accommodate the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2025, also influenced Vince’s choice. This shift aligns the PSL with England's domestic season, making participation challenging for many players.  

In his illustrious career, Vince has played 216 first-class matches, scoring 13,340 runs at an average of 40.18, including 30 centuries and 58 fifties. He has also represented England in 13 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 17 T20Is, with his last international match in 2023 against Bangladesh.  

Additionally, reports suggest that another English batter, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, signed by Peshawar Zalmi in the platinum category during the PSL 10 draft, might also prioritize the PSL over the County Championship.