James Vince slams ECB for not granting NOC to players for PSL; bias shout towards IPL

England batsman James Vince has criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for its controversial No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy, accusing the governing body of double standards. The policy was introduced in November by the board. Its main feature is that it restricts players from participating in overseas competitions that overlap with the English domestic season, such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL)while granting an exemption for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The policy has drawn scrutiny for its apparent favoritism towards certain leagues. The latest addition to critics of the board’s controversial policy is Vince, who has launched a vehement critique of the new rule.

James Vince alleges ECB favoritism towards IPL

Vince has been part of the England team that won the ODI World Cup 2019 and has been Hampshire’s skipper in English county cricket. However, the 33-year-old has played domestic cricket for various teams in various T20 leagues. His association with the PSL dates back to the 2016 season when he was signed by Karachi Kings. Since then, the England batsman has featured in every season.

His association with Pakistan’s elite T20 league was the reason for his frustration with the ECB’s decision. Pointing out the ECB’s double standards in not granting players NOC to play in the PSL, Vince attacked the board during a discussion with ESPNcricinfo.

“The PSL is a shorter competition, so if you’re going to play there, you’re probably going to miss less domestic cricket than if you go to the IPL. So it was a big one where it just didn’t feel right,” Vince said.

Vince also speculated that the different treatment of the IPL and PSL could be related to the ECB’s relations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He suggested that politics could be influencing the ECB’s decision-making process, with external factors potentially shaping its policies.

“I guess it must have something to do with the relations between the ECB, the PCB and the BCCI.” Vince opined, pointing to favoritism within the ECB.

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Vince said goodbye to Test cricket to focus on the white-ball format

Also, Vince recently announced his retirement from Test cricket. His decision was driven largely by family considerations. After unexplained attacks at their home in Hampshire last year, his wife, Amy, and their two young children have decided to move to Dubai. This move made it impractical for Vince to continue playing in the County Championship, particularly as committing to the full English domestic season would have significant tax implications.

However, the 33-year-old has pointed out that the ECB’s NOC policy was also the driving force behind his decision to quit red-ball cricket. Vince further warned that because of the ECB’s decision, more players would opt to leave the English domestic circuit and play league cricket overseas.

“When they first mentioned it, a players’ WhatsApp group was created and there was a lot of discussion,” the initial feeling was that it would turn people away from red-ball cricket. It looked like he was going to limit the opportunities. The players were frustrated by it … There were some things in there that (we) didn’t really understand.” Vince mentioned.

Vince’s Test cricket career with the national team was short-lived. The explosive batsman played just 13 Test matches for England and scored 548 runs for his national team.

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