James Anderson's 25-year association with Lancashire ends
James Anderson (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 25 Oct 2026, 08:35 PM• Read time - 2 mins
James Anderson's 25-year association with Lancashire as a player has come to an end after the club confirmed it will not extend the England legend's contract for next season.
Anderson released a statement on Instagram expressing his affection for the club and wishing its players and supporters well for the future.
"I've supported Lancashire since I was a kid, so getting the chance to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true," Anderson wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Lancashire's incoming director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, and newly appointed chief executive, Richard Kenyon, are aiming to rebuild the team and informed Anderson of their decision last Monday.
Anderson claimed 50 wickets at an average of 17.68 this season and was also named Lancashire's Championship Player of the Year. However, his efforts could not prevent Lancashire from recording their worst-ever finish, ending the season second from bottom in Division Two.
Farbrace spoke highly of Anderson and thanked him for his service: "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 at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday, October 19, I spoke to Jimmy about our ambitions to rebuild a men's squad 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 throughout 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 represented Lancashire for so many years."