James Anderson to leave Lancashire after 25 years

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 12:27 · Archive

Lancashire will not renew James Anderson's contract, ending his 25-year spell at the county.

James Anderson's 25-year association with Lancashire will end after the county declined to offer him a new contract for the 2027 season. The 44-year-old was informed of the decision by the club's new leadership, chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace, on 19 October.

Anderson captained Lancashire in 2026 and took 50 wickets at an average of 17 from 11 Championship matches. The county finished second-bottom in Division Two, having been strong favourites for promotion. In his First-Class career at Lancashire since 2001, he has taken 443 wickets in 112 appearances. He also won the County Championship title with them in 2011.

Expressing his feelings on Instagram, Anderson wrote: 'I've supported Lancashire since I was a kid, and so to get to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true. I have always found it special walking out to play at Old Trafford and have some incredible memories of doing so, including the honour of being captain. If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this, but I wish the players and fans all the best for the future.'

Farbrace explained the club's decision as part of a broader rebuild. 'Jimmy is without doubt the greatest bowler Lancashire and England have produced,' he said. 'He has been a fantastic competitor throughout his career, with exceptional skill and an unwavering commitment to setting the highest standards in every dressing room he has been part of.' Farbrace said the county's ambition is to secure promotion from Division Two and challenge to win Division One over the next three to four years.

Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 704 wickets, has not confirmed whether he will retire or continue his playing career elsewhere. BBC Sport learned that other counties would be interested in signing him. He continues to have an end named after him at Old Trafford, where he made his debut in 2001.

Anderson's exit from Lancashire comes almost a year after his departure from England, which also was not his choice. Former head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes decided he was not part of their plans for the Test team, leading to his retirement from international cricket in July 2024.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain described Anderson's exit as 'a hugely sad way' for the bowler to leave the club he has represented since the start of his career.

How it is being reported

• ‘If it was up to me it wouldn’t end like this’: Jimmy Anderson confirms Lancashire exitEngland’s all-time record wicket-taker not offered new contract Bowler has spent 25 years at county England’s all-time record wicket-taker Jimmy Anderson has expressed regret at how his 25-year spell with Lancashire has come to an end after the club confirmed he will not be offered a new contract. Anderson will leave his boyhood county having taken 443 wickets in 112 appearances since making his debut in 2001, helping them win the County Championship title in 2011, while also taking another 83 wickets in 61 List A matches and 50 in 40 T20 appearances. Continue reading...Guardian Sport · 25 Oct, 12:04
• Anderson stops short of retiring after Lancashire exitJames Anderson expresses sadness at being released by Lancashire, but stopped short of confirming the end of his legendary playing career.BBC News · 25 Oct, 12:03
• If it was up to me it wouldn’t end like this – James Anderson on Lancashire exitAnderson’s 25-year spell at the county is over after the club decided against offering the 44-year-old a new contract.Independent Sport · 25 Oct, 11:39
• Jimmy Anderson releases telling statement on Lancashire exit - 'If it was up to me...'Lancashire legend Jimmy Anderson has confirmed his exit from Old Trafford was not on his terms after 25 years with the Red RoseMirror Sport · 25 Oct, 11:16
• Anderson on Lancs exit: 'If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this'James Anderson has confirmed that his Lancashire departure is not what he wanted.Sky Sports · 25 Oct, 11:12

In this story: James Anderson · Lancashire · Paul Farbrace · Richard Kenyon · Old Trafford · England · Nasser Hussain · Brendon McCullum

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