‘If it was up to me’: James Anderson left disappointed as Lancashire closes doors after 25 years

James Anderson has confirmed 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 the Second Division of the County Championship. However, the county decided not to offer him a new contract for the 2027 season, ending his 25-year association with the club.Anderson expressed his disappointment in a post on social media, writing: “I’ve supported Lancashire since I was a kid so to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true.“I’ve always thought it was special going to play at Old Trafford and I have incredible memories of it, including the honor 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 did not say whether he intends to continue playing for another county.The Lancashire exit comes two years after Anderson’s England Test career ended in 2024. England’s leading Test wicket-taker, he took 704 wickets in 188 matches, making him the most successful fast bowler in the history of the game.His departure from the England Test was also not his decision. After that, head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes decided that Anderson was not part of their plans going forward.After retiring from international cricket, he continued to play for Lancashire and was named captain of his boyhood club last year. An end at Old Trafford, Lancashire’s home ground, was also named after him.Born in Burnley, Anderson made his Lancashire debut in 2001 and went on to become one of cricket’s most successful fast bowlers.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 took 443 wickets in 112 first-class appearances. He also took 83 wickets in 61 List A matches and 50 wickets in 40 T20 matches for the county.