'If it was up to me': Anderson admits Lancashire exit was not how he wanted it to end

James Anderson has confirmed that his departure from Lancashire was not how he wanted his time at the club to end.The 44-year-old had a strong season as captain in 2026, taking 50 wickets at an average of 17, despite Lancashire's struggles in Division Two of the County Championship.

However, the county have decided against offering him a new contract for the 2027 season, bringing his 25-year association with the club to an end.

Anderson expressed his disappointment in a social media post, writing: "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."

Anderson has not said whether he intends to continue playing for another county.The Lancashire departure comes two years after Anderson's England Test career ended in 2024. England's highest Test wicket-taker, he claimed 704 wickets in 188 matches, making him the most successful fast bowler in the history of the game.His exit from the England Test set-up was also not his decision. Then head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes decided that Anderson was not part of their plans going forward.

He continued to play for Lancashire after leaving international cricket and was named captain of his boyhood club last year. An end at Old Trafford, Lancashire's home ground, has also been named after him.Born in Burnley, Anderson made his Lancashire debut in 2001 and went on to become one of the most successful fast bowlers in cricket.In addition to his 704 wickets in 188 Tests for England, he took 269 wickets in 194 One-Day Internationals and 18 wickets in 19 T20 Internationals.For Lancashire, Anderson claimed 443 wickets in 112 first-class appearances. He also took 83 wickets in 61 List A matches and 50 wickets in 40 T20 appearances for the county.