James Anderson weighs future after Lancashire let contract lapse

James Anderson, 44, has not retired after Lancashire told him they would not offer a new contract for 2027, ending an association with the club that began 25 years ago. The England seamer, who finished with 704 wickets in 188 Tests, is weighing up whether his future involves playing or something different, Sky Sports reports.

He stopped short of announcing his retirement from professional cricket in his statement. Wisden reports that several other counties are interested in signing him.

Anderson’s response

In a social media statement, Anderson said that if it had been up to him, the exit would not have ended this way. He wished the players and the fans well.

Speaking on the BBC’s Tailenders podcast, he said he does not know whether his career is done, but that he would like someone to let him retire at some point.

His final season at Lancashire

Anderson captained Lancashire in 2026 and took 50 wickets at an average of 17. The club still finished second from bottom in Division Two of the County Championship.

His last international appearance for England came in 2024.

What could come next

Sky Sports reports that Anderson is set to captain and co-own the Napoli Knights, one of six teams in the Italia T10 league, which would extend his playing career in Italy.