Alex Hales to skip T20 Blast, Hundred after signing Knight Riders deal for MLC and CPL

This decision puts his long-standing relationship with Trent Bridge on indefinite hold, although he hasn’t dismissed the possibility of a future comeback. Hales has regarded this venue as home throughout his professional career and holds the record for the most runs scored for both Notts in the Blast and Trent Rockets in the Hundred, having won titles with both teams.

Last year, he missed six out of Nottinghamshire’s 14 group matches in the Blast to fulfill obligations in the Lanka Premier League, but the ECB has since tightened its regulations on No-Objection Certificates (NOCs). Thus, signing with either Notts or Trent Rockets would likely have made him ineligible to play overseas during the English season.

Sources at ESPNcricinfo reveal that Hales will accept an offer from the Knight Riders franchise, allowing him to play for their teams in Los Angeles and Trinbago in MLC and CPL, respectively. Depending on schedules, he may also return to the LPL between the two tournaments or take part in the new European T20 Premier League in Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

The Knight Riders franchise operates four teams globally—Los Angeles, Trinbago, Kolkata, and Abu Dhabi— and numerous players have represented them across various regions, including Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Venky Mysore, their chief executive, has previously indicated that year-round contracts with an IPL franchise would be “nirvana,” and Hales’ move seems to be another stride toward this goal.

“Playing for Notts at Trent Bridge for the past 17 years has been an incredible experience, and it’s still my favorite place in the world to play cricket,” Hales stated. “Some of my best memories are in a Notts shirt, and I’ve made some of my closest friendships in that home dressing room.

“As I’ve spent more time playing globally in recent years, returning to Trent Bridge has always been something I’ve looked forward to. However, with the current state of the global game and my recent move abroad, I won’t be able to return this season… I hope to come back at some point in the future.”

Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, mentioned that Hales would be welcomed back if his schedule permits in the future. “Although he won’t be with us this summer, we are certainly not closing the door on his potential return to Notts, and his achievements will ensure he holds a permanent place in Trent Bridge’s history,” Newell stated.

“Both his life and the international cricketing landscape have undergone immense changes since he debuted 17 years ago. We understand the challenges he faces balancing personal commitments, having recently married his South African fiancée and moved abroad, with the opportunities available to a player of his caliber worldwide.”

Hales will be the second English player to compete in MLC after Jason Roy, who ended his ECB incremental contract early to participate in the league’s inaugural season. Roy played for Knight Riders last year but hasn’t been retained for 2025, likely continuing with Surrey through the Blast season.

He will still need a “No Objection Letter” from the ECB to play overseas but expects no complications despite recent policy shifts. Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, remarked in December: “If [players] opt not to have a contract with a county and prefer to be complete global freelancers, that’s perfectly fine.”