James Vince: England World Cup winner moves to Dubai after attacks on family home
Hampshire star batsman focuses on white-ball cricket amid personal challenges
DUBAI: English cricketer James Vince has relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), after a series of alarming incidents at his family home during the summer of 2024.
The move, confirmed by Hampshire Cricket on Wednesday, marks a turning point for the celebrated Hampshire star, who will now focus solely on white-ball cricket while stepping down as the club’s captain.
Family safety a priority
In July 2024, Vince released security footage showing intruders targeting his home near Hampshire’s headquarters. The incidents, occurring over several mornings, involved significant property damage, including broken windows and vandalised vehicles. Vince later described the episodes as a case of mistaken identity, adding that the attacks left his young family deeply shaken.
Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, Vince stated, “I love Hampshire—it’s been my club and home for 16 years. But I also need to understand what is best for my family and combine that with the stage of my career I am at.”
Stepping down as captain
After a decade at the helm, the 33-year-old has relinquished his role as Hampshire’s captain. However, he will continue to lead the Hampshire Hawks in the Vitality Blast T20 tournament, maintaining his strong ties to the club.
“In 2024, Vince endured a challenging year on a personal level, following several attacks on his family home. As a result, the family have taken the decision to move to Dubai,” read a statement from Hampshire Cricket.
Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, praised Vince’s contributions, urging fans to support the player’s decision. “James has been at the heart of the club for nearly 20 years, showing absolute commitment on and off the field as the team’s leading batter and captain.”
PSL and other commitments
Vince’s relocation does not mean stepping away from competitive cricket. The prolific batsman has been retained by Karachi Kings for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. The tournament, rescheduled to run from 8 April to 19 May 2025, coincides with the English domestic season.
While England’s cricket authorities have tightened rules on overseas league participation for players contracted for red-ball cricket, Vince’s decision to forgo first-class matches allows him to honour his PSL contract, reportedly worth £100,000.
Vince, a 2019 Cricket World Cup winner, has also been a key figure for the Gulf Giants in the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20). His familiarity with Dubai and its cricketing environment likely influenced his decision to settle there.
A legacy in Hampshire
Having debuted for Hampshire at 18, Vince has amassed over 22,000 runs across formats for the club. He holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in the T20 Blast and has been instrumental in Hampshire’s three title wins in the competition.
Despite stepping back from red-ball cricket, Vince remains committed to contributing to Hampshire’s success in the shorter formats. “I want to be able to maintain my best to keep delivering for Hampshire in T20 cricket and hopefully even further our success in the competition,” he said.
As Hampshire prepares for the 2025 season, Vince’s leadership in the T20 Blast will be crucial. His relocation may mark the end of an era for the county’s red-ball aspirations, but it highlights his dedication to balancing professional and personal priorities.