James Vince Turns Down 2016 IPL Auction

Hampshire Director of Cricket Giles White has revealed that club captain James Vince has turned down the opportunity to enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction.

The 24-year old made the decision to avoid the auction, taking place this weekend, with his England ambitions in mind and commitment to Hampshire ahead of his first full season as captain of the club in all formats.

Giles White said: “I think James can see what is ahead of him right now. He is very much in the space that he wants to play Test Cricket and going into the IPL at this time might narrow that opportunity. Runs early season with Hampshire will push his case and that’s his goal right now.”

Despite eventually losing the one-day series, 3-2, Hampshire pair Vince and Liam Dawson have impressed for the England Lions this winter. Skippering the side, Vince hit an impressive century in the Lions’ third List A match against Pakistan A whilst Dawson finished the 50-over series as England’s leading wicket-taker.

Giles White believes the performances have done the players no harm with the England T20 World squad announcement on the way soon:   

“After performing so well on the Lions tour, I’m sure they will both be in the selectors’ mind. They will both have a nervous wait now, but they are both well in with a chance. We’re sure they would grasp the opportunity given to them so fingers crossed they will be selected.”

With a lot of competition for places, it’s going to be a tough decision for the England selectors and Giles White believes the conditions in India will be major consideration when the squad is chosen:

“The selectors will know what they are looking for – Liam will give you all-round ability and a spin option and they know what James will offer with the bat and in the field, so now they will just be looking at which players will best make-up the squad.”