CricketSport

Hampshire Hawks announce Vince contract changes

By Connor Steel

HAMPSHIRE CRICKET have announced that their experienced county stalwart James Vince has agreed a ‘revision’ to his ongoing contract expiring in later 2025; which will see him leave his place within the summer LV= Insurance County Championship team and step down from the role as red ball captain in his bid to focus on the shorter formats of cricket.

The thirty-three year old batsman has represented Hampshire since 2009, and will continue to do this within the Hawks Vitality Blast side as the captain during 2025. He will be hopeful of helping this side win their fourth Twenty-20 title after three previous successes and Vince will represent Karachi Kings in the T20 Pakistani Super League (PSL) in mid-April.

But he has left a legacy at first class levels with nearly 12,500 runs scored in his long career at an average of over forty per innings; leading the side to potential title challengers across this last few campaigns. He has also played in thirteen tests, 25 one-day games and 17 T20 internationals for England; last participating in an international fold in March 2023.

Vince’s decision was made in light of a busy red ball season in the UK with each team playing fourteen four-day games at this level; the batsman instead choosing to focus on extending his playing career.  Last year was also a tough period for Vince and his family as they endured ‘several attacks’ on their address, which forced them to move across to Dubai.

He said in a statement: “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 recent success in this competition. I also need to understand what is best for my family, and combine that with this delicate stage of my career I am at now.”

Readers can explore a full quote from Director of Cricket Giles White by clicking this online link; which will further allow supporters to see full updates around the Utilita Bowl including player contract news and all fixtures for their 2025 year.

PICTURED BY ALAMY (2CHH07W): James Vince drives a lovely shot in Twenty-20 encounter played in Southampton.