Counties interested in Anderson after Lancs exit
James Anderson will have options to extend his legendary playing career after being told he will not be given a new contract by Lancashire.
On the flipside, there would be an element of risk. Although he remains supremely fit, Anderson's age might mean he is only one injury away from retirement. He has been troubled by calf problems in the latter stages of his career.
Anderson was told of Lancashire's decision by the county's new chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace on Monday. The bowler was not offered the opportunity to stay at Old Trafford on reduced terms.
Lancashire have yet to publicly comment, though will hold a forum for the club's members on Monday, when the matter seems certain to be addressed.
Anderson's contract does not officially expire until the end of October and it has been suggested Lancashire would like him to remain involved with the club in some capacity.
However, given how his playing career with Lancashire has been ended, it is far from certain that Anderson would be open to continuing his association with the club he first represented in 2001.
Anderson made his top-level debut playing a List A game for Lancashire Cricket Board against Suffolk in the National Westminster Bank Trophy in 2000.
His debut for Lancashire came a year later in a one-day fixture against Derbyshire.
Anderson began a 22-year international career in 2002. His tally of 704 wickets for England is the third-most by any man in Test history and the most by a pace bowler.
He retired from internationals in 2024 and committed to continuing his career with Lancashire in 2025. At that time, Anderson said he felt he could play for at least three more seasons.
