Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Former England fast bowler James Anderson has admitted he was left shocked by Lancashire’s decision not to renew his contract, bringing an abrupt end to his 25-year association with his boyhood county cricket club, and said he would like someone to give him the opportunity to retire on his own terms.
“I was being told they thought the best way for the team to move forward was without me. I was quite shocked. It was quite brief,” Anderson told the BBC Tailenders podcast on Friday.
advertisement
“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 at some point if someone would let me retire.”
A SHOCKING EXIT
The 44-year-old, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker with 704 scalps in 188 matches, brought his international career to a close in 2024. However, he continued playing county cricket and was handed the Lancashire red-ball captaincy for the first time ahead of the 2026 season.
Anderson enjoyed an impressive individual campaign, claiming 50 wickets at an average of 17.68. Lancashire, however, endured a difficult season, finishing seventh among eight teams in Division Two of the County Championship.
The county subsequently decided against extending his contract for the 2027 season as part of a wider rebuilding exercise under incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace.
Anderson had made no secret of his attachment to Lancashire, having supported the club since childhood. He had hoped to finish his professional career at Old Trafford, where he created some of his most cherished memories.
“I’ve supported Lancashire since I was a kid, and so to get to play 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 AHEAD
Despite the disappointment, Anderson is keen to embrace new opportunities rather than dwell on the circumstances surrounding his departure. Among his new ventures is a role as captain and co-owner of Napoli Knights in the Italia T10 league.
“I have to attack it like that and not dwell too much on how or why it finished at Lancs,” he said.
Anderson made 112 first-class appearances for Lancashire, claiming 443 wickets, and was part of the county’s Championship-winning side 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 has bowled his final ball in professional cricket remains uncertain. For now, the man who spent 25 years representing his boyhood county is still waiting for the chance to call time on his career himself.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
