England cricket legend Jimmy Anderson has expressed disappointment after learning that his 25-year association with Lancashire is coming to an end. The county club decided not to renew the 44-year-old fast bowler's contract as part of a major squad rebuild.
Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 704 dismissals, has played for his home county since childhood, making 112 first-class appearances and taking 443 wickets for Lancashire. He also captained the red-ball side for the first time during the 2026 season, claiming 50 Championship wickets at an average of 17.68. Despite his strong individual form, Lancashire finished seventh in Division Two.
Incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace explained that the county needed to begin a difficult rebuilding process aimed at securing promotion from Division Two and eventually challenging for the Division One title over the next three to four years. Farbrace noted that the decision not to extend Anderson's contract for the 2027 season was made as part of those long-term plans.
"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," Anderson said in a statement, reflecting on a career that included a County Championship title in 2011 and having the Pavilion End at Old Trafford renamed in his honor.
