James Anderson has expressed his sadness at being released by Lancashire, but the legendary player has refused to confirm his career is over.
Anderson, England’s all-time leading goalkeeper, was informed by Lancashire on Monday that the county he first represented in 2001 would not be offering him a new contract.
In his first public comments since then, the 44-year-old wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Despite turning 45 next year, Anderson had planned to play in the summer of 2027. Following the news of his departure from Old Trafford, BBC Sport has learned that other countries will also be interested in signing the seam player.
At the same time as Anderson’s post on social media on Sunday, Lancashire also made their first announcement about his departure, explaining their decision.
The Red Rose finished second in the County Championship Division Two last season and have appointed Richard Kenyon as their new chief executive and Paul Farbrace as their director of cricket.
Farbrace said the county was looking to “rebuild” with the goal of winning the County Championship in three or four years, by which time Anderson will be in his late 40s.
“I spoke to Jimmy about our ambitions to rebuild our struggling men’s squad to be able to secure promotion from Division Two of the County Championship and win Division One over the next three to four years,” Farbrace said.
“We want to start this rebuild now, both in terms of the playing staff and the wider professional cricket structure, and make significant progress over the coming months. As part of these plans, I have informed Jimmy that we have taken the incredibly difficult decision not to extend his playing contract for the 2027 season.”