James Anderson confirms Lancashire exit was not what he wanted: 'If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this'
James Anderson says of Lancashire exit: "If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this"; record-breaking bowler will not be offered new deal; Anderson's final England appearance came in 2024; he has continued playing for Lancashire and captained county in Division Two this year
Sunday 25 October 2026 12:06, UK
James Anderson has confirmed that his Lancashire departure is not what he wanted.
The 44-year-old had a strong season captaining his county in 2026, taking 50 wickets at an average of 17 amid their struggles in Division Two of the County Championship.
However, Lancashire have opted against offering him a new deal for the 2027 season, meaning his time at the club is over after a quarter of a century.
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Anderson wrote on social media: "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."
He did not indicate whether he will seek to continue his playing career elsewhere.
Anderson is England's highest Test wicket-taker and the most prolific fast bowler in the history of the game, taking 704 wickets in 188 matches before exiting the international stage in 2024.
His departure from the England Test set up was also not Anderson's choice, with then head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes deciding he was not in their plans going forward.
He continued to play for Lancashire and last year he took the captaincy of his boyhood club, where he has an end named after him at Old Trafford.
Paul Farbrace, Lancashire's incoming director of cricket, said: "Jimmy is without doubt the greatest bowler Lancashire and England have produced. 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.
"Following a meeting with Jimmy and Richard Kenyon [Lancashire's new chief executive] at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday October 19, I spoke to Jimmy about our ambitions to rebuild our men's squad that is capable of securing promotion from Division Two of the County Championship and then challenging to win Division One over the next three to four years.
"We are keen to begin that rebuild now, both in terms of the playing squad and the wider professional cricket set-up, and to make important progress over the coming months. As part of those plans, I informed Jimmy that we had taken the incredibly difficult decision not to extend his playing contract for the 2027 season.
"I would like to thank Jimmy for everything he has given to Lancashire Cricket over the course of his career. His contribution to the club has been immense, both on and off the field, and he leaves a lasting legacy. We have enormous respect for what he has achieved, and we will always be proud that he has represented Lancashire for so many years."
Anderson's career timeline
May 2002 - Anderson makes first-class debut for Lancashire; takes his maiden first-class wicket in May, dismissing Ian Ward.
December 15, 2002 - Anderson makes ODI debut for England against Australia in Melbourne, aged 20.
February-March 2003 - Anderson selected in England's squad for 2003 Cricket World Cup, producing match-winning spell against Pakistan. England lose to eventual champions Australia.
May 2003 - Anderson becomes youngest player to take a hat-trick in Lancashire history - the first at Old Trafford for eight years.
May 22, 2003 - Anderson makes Test match debut for England against Zimbabwe at Lord's, still aged 20. Takes five wickets in an innings on debut.
August 2003 - Anderson unanimously voted as England's Young Cricketer of the Year.
September 2003 - Anderson handed central contract with the ECB.
July 2005 - After period out of the England squad, Anderson is recalled for final Test of Ashes series, but fails to make team.
September-December 2006 - After a back stress fracture and six months out, Anderson returns to England side for Ashes series in 5-0 whitewash defeat in late 2006.
January 2007 - Anderson plays in his first T20 International, playing for England against Australia in Sydney.
2009 - Anderson is named one of five Wisden Cricketers of the Year following a standout Test series against in 2009 Ashes victory.
September 2011 - Anderson helps Lancashire win the County Championship title.
July 2014 - Batting at No 11, Anderson makes 81 against India, his highest Test total
March 2015 - Anderson plays his final ODI match for England against Afghanistan in Sydney.
April 2015 - Against West Indies, Anderson becomes England's record Test wicket-taker with his 384th dismissal.
July 25, 2016 - Anderson becomes first fast bowler to take 50 wickets against all other seven major Test-playing nations, Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies.
December 26, 2019 - Anderson becomes ninth cricketer to play in 150 Test matches.
January 5, 2020 - Anderson takes 28th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, overtaking Ian Botham's England record.
March 9, 2024 - Anderson becomes only third player in history to reach 700 career Test wickets
July 2024 - Anderson announces international retirement having played his 188th and final Test match for England against the West Indies at Lord's.
April 2025 - Knighthood | Appointed a Knight Bachelor in recognition of his services to cricket.
2025-2026 - Lancashire Captaincy & Contract. Returned briefly to T20 cricket, signed a one-year extension, and was named Lancashire red-ball captain for the 2026 County Championship season.
