It would be nice if someone would let me go: James Anderson on his sudden departure from Lancashire

Former England fast bowler James Anderson admitted he was shocked by Lancashire’s decision not to renew his contract, marking an abrupt end to his 25-year association with his boyhood county cricket club, and said he would be happy to be given the chance to retire on his own terms.

“I was told they thought the best way for the team to move forward was without me. I was quite shocked. It was quite short,” Anderson told the BBC’s Tailenders podcast on Friday.

“I wanted to see my career out with Lancs (Lancashire). I don’t know if my career is done, we’ll have to wait and see, but it would be nice if someone let me go.”

SHOCKING EXIT

The 44-year-old, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker in Tests with 704 scalps in 188 matches, ended his international career in 2024. However, he continued to play county cricket and was named captain of red-ball Lancashire for the first time ahead of the 2026 season.

Anderson enjoyed an impressive individual campaign, taking 50 wickets at an average of 17.68. However, Lancashire endured a difficult season to finish seventh out of eight teams in Division Two of the County Championship.

The county subsequently decided not to extend his contract beyond the 2027 season as part of a wider rebuilding exercise under incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace.

Anderson has made no secret of his affection for Lancashire, having supported the club since childhood. He hoped to finish his professional career at Old Trafford, where he made some of his most treasured memories.

“I’ve supported Lancashire since I was a kid, so playing for them for 25 years was a dream come true,” Anderson said in a statement.

“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.”

LOOKING FORWARD

Despite the disappointment, Anderson is keen to take advantage of the new opportunity rather than dwell on the circumstances surrounding his departure. His new ventures include the role of captain and co-owner of the Napoli Knights in the Italia T10 league.

“I have to attack it like that and not dwell too much on how or why it ended at Lancs,” he said.

Anderson played 112 first-class matches for Lancashire, taking 443 wickets and was part of the county-winning team in 2011. The Pavilion End at Old Trafford was also renamed the James Anderson End in recognition of his contribution to the club.

Whether he bowled his last ball in professional cricket remains uncertain. For now, the man who represented his boyhood county for 25 years is still waiting for an opportunity to find time for his career on his own.

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