England and Hampshire cricketer James Vince has ‘taken the decision’ to move to Dubai following ‘several attacks on his family home’.
Vince’s property near Southampton was damaged by criminals twice last year, first on April 15 and then on May 11.
Vince and his family were believed to be inside the property when two cars on the driveway were damaged and the front windows were smashed.
The 33-year-old has been one of the best players in county cricket for well over a decade, having scored almost 30,000 runs for Hampshire.
Vince has played 55 games for England – including 13 Test matches – and was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2019.
Hampshire announced in a statement on Wednesday that Vince would ‘take a break’ from red-ball cricket in 2025 and therefore only play T20s for the county.
Vince has also stepped down from his role as club captain, having guided Hampshire to three T20 Blast titles during ten consecutive years at the helm.
Hants also revealed Vince’s intention to move to Dubai, saying in a statement: ”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.’
Explaining his decision, Vince said: ‘I love Hampshire, it’s been my club and home for 16 years, so 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.
‘I also need to understand what is best for my family, and combine that with the stage of my career I am at.
‘I am so grateful to everyone at Utilita Bowl for supporting me last year through a really tough time, and for allowing me to make this next step.’
Director of Men’s Cricket at Hampshire, Giles White, added: ‘James has been at the heart of the Club for the best part of 20-years, showing absolute commitment on and off the field as the team’s leading batter and captain.
‘We recognise that this announcement will be tinged with disappointment for many fans but hope everyone will join us in celebrating what he has given to our club over many years and supporting him as he fulfils his commitment to continue leading the Hawks in the 2025 Vitality Blast.’
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