James Anderson is set to retire from professional cricket at age of 44
\n\nEngland cricket legend James Anderson is likely to bid adieu to professional cricket after a career that lasted 26 years, after it emerged that Lancashire has refused to hand him a new contract after the end of the 2026 season, as per reports in the English media. The legendary England pacer retired from international cricket in 2024 after the Lord's Test against West Indies but continued to play domestic cricket for Durham as well as featuring in the 2025 Hundred for Manchester Originals.
\n\nAnderson was not just leading the Manchester-based county's pace attack but was also the captain of the side for the second half of the 2025 season as well as the entire 2026 campaign. However, Lancashire struggled and finished second-last in the second division.
\n\nFollowing the disappointing season, Lancashire started a rebuild and appointed d Richard Kenyon as chief executive and Paul Farbrace as director of cricket. The new management has decided against offering the 44-year-old a new contract.
\n\nThe move comes despite Anderson impressing with the ball, taking 50 wickets in 11 matches in the 2026 County Championship season at an average of 17.68.
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports
