James Vince Criticizes ECB’s NOC Policy for Favoring IPL Over PSL
Vince recently stepped down as Hampshire captain to play in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

James Vince has publicly criticized the England Cricket Board (ECB) for its recent policy changes regarding No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), which he claims favour the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
This criticism comes shortly after Vince announced his retirement from first-class cricket to participate in the PSL, where he has signed with Karachi Kings.
The ECB’s decision, made in November 2024, prohibits all-format players from participating in the PSL due to scheduling conflicts with the County Championship. Vince expressed frustration over this policy, stating that it could limit opportunities for players and drive them away from red-ball cricket.
In an interview, Vince revealed that when the policy was first introduced, a WhatsApp group was formed for players to discuss its implications.
“The initial feeling was that it was going to drive people away from red-ball cricket. It felt like it was going to limit opportunities. Players were frustrated by it,” he said.
He noted that discussions among players revealed a shared concern about the implications of these changes on their careers.
Vince highlighted that the PSL is a shorter tournament compared to the IPL, suggesting that playing in it would result in missing less domestic cricket.
He speculated that the ECB’s decision might be influenced by its relationships with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“It’s got to be something to do with relationships between the ECB, PCB and BCCI as to why they’ve come up with that rule,” Vince noted.
This situation reflects a broader trend where more players may opt for lucrative white-ball contracts over traditional red-ball cricket, especially as financial incentives grow in T20 leagues.