James Anderson: Lancashire opt not to offer new contract to cricket legend
BBC Sport
England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, James Anderson, will not be extending his career with Lancashire after the county decided against offering him a new contract. The 44-year-old had joined the Red Rose after being forced into international retirement in 2024 by England.
In a season marked by poor performance for Lancashire, finishing bottom of Division Two in the County Championship, Anderson captained the team but will not be part of their 2027 squad.
This decision comes amidst a period of change at Old Trafford, with a review of cricket operations led by interim chair Dame Sarah Storey and new chief executive Richard Kenyon. Paul Farbrace was recently appointed as Lancashire's director of cricket.
Despite his age, Anderson remained in impressive form, taking 50 wickets in the 2026 County Championship, a tally only surpassed by six other bowlers in Division Two. He was named Lancashire's Championship Player of the Year.
Throughout his career, Anderson has taken 1,193 first-class wickets for Lancashire, along with 83 List A and 50 T20 wickets for the county.