England legend Jimmy Anderson to retire after Lancashire deny new contract
Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 21 Oct, 17:39 · Archive
James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 704 dismissals, will retire from professional cricket after Lancashire declined to offer him a new contract for 2027, when he will turn 45. The 44-year-old was informed of the decision this week by Lancashire's new chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace. He will not seek to extend his career with another county.
Anderson has spent 25 years with Lancashire since making his debut in 2001 or 2002. Over his entire first-class career, he took 1,193 wickets at an average of 24, as well as 358 in one-day cricket and 71 in T20s. He was knighted in 2025 for his services to cricket.
Last summer, Anderson took 50 wickets in the County Championship at an average of 17. Only six other bowlers in Division Two achieved a similar tally. He was named Lancashire's Championship player of the year and captained the club for the season.
Lancashire endured a difficult campaign, finishing second-bottom in Division Two with only two wins recorded. This was the club's worst finish in the County Championship since 1984. The decision not to renew Anderson's contract comes amid upheaval at Old Trafford, with the county undergoing a review of its cricket operations under interim chair Dame Sarah Storey.
Anderson was forced into international retirement by England in 2024, when former head coach Brendon McCullum, ex-captain Ben Stokes and director of cricket Rob Key asked him to retire. He had chosen to continue playing for Lancashire in both red and white-ball cricket after that decision.
How it is being reported
- Jimmy Anderson 'set to retire' as Lancashire decline England icon, 44, new dealFormer England bowler Jimmy Anderson has spent 25 years at Lancashire but won't be offered a new contract, a decision which is expected to bring his professional career to an endThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 17:17
- Jimmy Anderson set to retire from cricket at 44 years old after Lancashire snub new contract offerAnderson has reportedly been informed that he will not receive a new contract with Lancashire leaving his cricketing future in doubtIndependent Sport · 21 Oct, 17:08
- James Anderson faces career decision as Lancashire will not offer him new dealEngland’s record wicket-taker has spent his entire 25-year career with the county.Independent Sport · 21 Oct, 16:58
- Anderson not offered new Lancashire contractJames Anderson’s legendary career could be over after Lancashire opt against offering England’s all-time leading wicket-taker a new deal.BBC News · 21 Oct, 16:11
- England legend Sir James Anderson to RETIRE from cricket at 44... after Lancashire tell him they will not give him a new contract for next summerJimmy Anderson's long career is finally at an end after Lancashire declined to offer him a new contract for the 2027 season, when he will turn 45.Daily Mail Sport · 21 Oct, 15:54
In this story: James Anderson · Lancashire County Cricket Club · Paul Farbrace · Richard Kenyon · England · Princess Anne · Australia
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