Lancashire will not renew James Anderson’s contract

Lancashire will not renew James Anderson’s playing contract for 2027, ending the fast bowler’s 25-year spell with the county, while Anderson has not said whether he will continue playing elsewhere. The club’s incoming director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, said the decision followed discussions with Anderson and chief executive Richard Kenyon. Farbrace said Lancashire was beginning a rebuild of its playing squad and wider professional cricket setup, with the aim of securing promotion from Division Two and challenging for the Division One title within three to four years. Anderson said on social media that playing for Lancashire for 25 years had been a dream. He added that, if the decision had been his, his time with the club would not have ended this way, while wishing its players and supporters well. He did not announce his retirement or confirm a move to another county. The 44-year-old took 50 wickets in the 2026 County Championship and was named Lancashire’s Championship Player of the Year. He had continued playing for the county after his England career ended in 2024 and captained Lancashire in the Championship this season. The club finished second from bottom in Division...