Hampshire cricket captain James Vince is set to miss the 2025 County Championship season after being selected as one of six English players for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Vince has been Hampshire captain for the past seven seasons, but the skipper is currently in talks with his county in regards to signing a white ball contract only.
This means Vince will only represent Hampshire in the T20 Blast this summer, while the chances of him featuring in the 2025 County Championship have become increasingly unlikely.
BBC Radio Solent’s Hampshire cricket commentator Kevan James explained the effect that Vince’s absence would have.
He said: “The effect is massive, he’s one of the most naturally gifted batters, he’s played for England, he’s the one that every team targets.
“His stats at international level don’t necessarily do him justice, but it’s a different story at domestic level, he averages 41 which is massive, and he’s been Hampshire’s highest run scorer in each of the last four seasons.
“Ultimately, his omission from the Championship this summer will be felt incredibly.”
Hampshire will have to respond accordingly with a captaincy to fill, and it’s being rumoured that batter Nick Gubbins and wicket-keeper Ben Brown are under consideration.
James feels these would be most suited to the role, he said: “Ben Brown, before he joined Hampshire, was captain at Sussex so he has the credentials for sure.
“Nick Gubbins also, he captains the one-day side and in the last few years Hampshire have reached the final and quarter-finals, so if they’re looking from within, one of those two are the most obvious ones.”
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