Anderson Exits Lancashire, 44-Year-Old Bowler

Anderson, England's leading wicket-taker, was told on Monday he would not be offered a new contract by Lancashire, ending 25 years. The bowler, who took 704 Test wickets and 911 international dismissals, had planned to play through 2027 before the decision. Lancashire said the move was part of a rebuild aiming for promotion Division Two One in three to four years. Farbrace praised Anderson as the greatest bowler Lancashire has produced and thanked him for his legacy. Anderson, who captained the club in 2026 and took 50 wickets at 17, could still seek a new county. The decision follows Lancashire's appointment of chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace, both aiming to rebuild. He added, "If it was up to me it wouldn't have ended like this," hinting he may yet continue elsewhere.