Counties interested in Anderson after Lancashire exit

James Anderson will have options to extend his legendary playing career after being told he will not be given a new contract by Lancashire.

A number of counties are keen to speak to the 44-year-old if he decides to continue playing next summer.

Anderson will leave Old Trafford following Lancashire's decision to release him from the club he first played professionally for 25 years ago.

Despite turning 45 in 2027, Anderson, who captained Lancashire last season, was planning on playing for another year before being told he will not be given a new deal.

The exit from Lancashire leaves England's all-time leading wicket-taker with a decision over whether to retire or speak to other counties.

It is understood clubs in both divisions of the County Championship would be interested in negotiating with Anderson and some have already reached out.

Any move for Anderson would likely depend on the finances of the deal, the role he would be offered and the logistics of spending time away from his home in Cheshire.

For a county, the signing of Anderson would represent an acquisition of unmatched quality on and off the field.

Last summer, Anderson was Lancashire's County Championship player of the year, taking 50 wickets in Division Two. Only six other bowlers in the second tier managed more.

It could also lead to the prospect of Anderson transitioning into a coaching role at a new county at the conclusion of his playing career. The opportunity for a club to tap into Anderson's bank of knowledge would be highly appealing.

On the flipside, there would be an element of risk. Although he remains supremely fit, Anderson's age might mean he is only one injury away from retirement. He has been troubled by calf problems in the latter stages of his career.

Anderson was told of Lancashire's decision by the county's new chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace on Monday. The bowler was not offered the opportunity to stay at Old Trafford on reduced terms.

Lancashire have yet to publicly comment, though will hold a forum for the club's members on Monday, when the matter seems certain to be addressed.

Anderson's contract does not officially expire until the end of October and it has been suggested Lancashire would like him to remain involved with the club in some capacity.

However, given how his playing career with Lancashire has been ended, it is far from certain that Anderson would be open to continuing his association with the club he first represented in 2001.

Anderson made his top-level debut playing a List A game for Lancashire Cricket Board against Suffolk in the National Westminster Bank Trophy in 2000.

His debut for Lancashire came a year later in a one-day fixture against Derbyshire.

Anderson began a 22-year international career in 2002. His tally of 704 wickets for England is the third-most by any man in Test history and the most by a pace bowler.

He retired from internationals in 2024 and committed to continuing his career with Lancashire in 2025. At that time, Anderson said he felt he could play for at least three more seasons.