Contract Extension for Hampshire Hawks’ James Vince

Hampshire Hawks star James Vince has extended his contract to keep him at the Rose Bowl until 2026.

The 34-year-old is a Hampshire Cricket “lifer” having played for the club since 2009.

His agent, Matt Perry-Lewis, said: “It means a great deal, obviously, because he’s been at the club for the best part of twenty years, and he’s captained that side, so it’s something he’s very passionate about.”

Vince is the all-time run-scoring leader of the T20 Vitality Blast with 6,357 runs, a natural batsmen at the crease.

Since his debut in 2009, after consistently impressing with his performances, he has racked up five centuries and 46 fifties with an average of 35.71.

Speaking on the decision to extend his contract, Mr Perry-Lewis added: “What’s driving him is his continued success with Hampshire.

“So no, there was no one else that we were entertaining. It was Hampshire only.”

Vince has been extremely successful with Hampshire, having won the T20 blast on three separate occasions.

The first of these victories came in 2010, before two more followed in 2012 and 2022.

Vince’s Hampshire fell short of a record-breaking fourth win in the competition after falling to Somerset in last year’s final at Edgbaston.

He has also represented England on 13 occasions. Participating in all formats, including T20, ODIs and Test matches and was part of the England squad that won the 2019 cricket World Cup.

He was formerly the captain of Hampshire Cricket Club from 2015 until his red-ball retirement in 2025.

A decision that led to teammate and wicket keeper Ben Brown taking over captain’s duties at the club.

Perry-Lewis said:“Last year, he decided to stop playing red ball, the longer form of cricket, primarily because he was living in the UAE now.

“Obviously, that wouldn’t be realistic for him to be here for that long anyway, due to working constraints and things. So that was a big decision last year.”

Vince has lived in Dubai since 2024 following attacks on his family home.

Heading into 2026, Vince will have his eyes set on one last shot at the T20 championship in what could potentially be his final season in professional cricket.

By Roan Fox