England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson says he is "sad" and "shocked" after being released by Lancashire, the county he has represented for over two decades. The 44-year-old revealed on the Tailenders podcast that the decision has left him questioning his future in the game.
Abrupt departure
Anderson, who took 50 wickets in the County Championship and served as captain last season, was informed by Lancashire's incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace and new chief executive Richard Kenyon that the club wants to build an attack for the future. The meeting was brief, and Anderson said he went in expecting a conversation about the team's direction.
The release comes after Lancashire finished second bottom in Division Two of the County Championship. Anderson drew parallels to England's decision to move on from him ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia, saying the repeated situation makes him wonder "if there is something fundamentally wrong with me as a person."
Future options
Despite the disappointment, Anderson acknowledged interest from other counties and said he is beginning to feel excited about potential new challenges. He joked that a move to historic rivals Yorkshire was unlikely, but added he is still processing the situation.
Anderson, who turns 45 next summer, has claimed 911 international wickets and 443 first-class wickets for Lancashire. He expressed enduring affection for the club he supported as a child, saying he will always support Lancashire.
