Arabic version: المقاطعات تدرس التعاقد مع أندرسون بعد قرار لانكشاير بشأن عقده

According to BBC News, James Anderson has options to continue his playing career after Lancashire decided not to offer the 44-year-old seamer a new contract. Several counties are keen to speak to Anderson if he chooses to play next summer, with interest understood to come from clubs in both divisions of the County Championship.

Anderson will leave Old Trafford 25 years after first playing professionally for Lancashire. He captained the county last season and had intended to play for another year, despite turning 45 in 2027. Lancashire’s decision leaves England’s all-time leading wicket-taker weighing up retirement or negotiations with other counties.

Any prospective move is likely to depend on the financial terms, the role available and the practicalities of time away from Anderson’s home in Cheshire. A new county could also offer him a route into coaching once his playing career ends, drawing on his extensive experience. However, his age and calf problems in the latter part of his career would be factors for any club considering a deal.

Anderson was Lancashire’s County Championship player of the year last summer after taking 50 wickets in Division Two, a total exceeded by only six other bowlers in the division. He was informed of the decision by new chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace on Monday, and was not offered a reduced-terms arrangement. His contract runs until the end of October, while Lancashire is set to hold a members’ forum on Monday.

After making his Lancashire debut in 2001, Anderson went on to a 22-year England career that began in 2002. He retired from international cricket in 2024 with 704 Test wickets for England, the third-highest total by any man in Test history and the most by a pace bowler.