England’s all-time record wicket-taker James Anderson has expressed regret at how his 25-year spell with Lancashire has come to an end after the club confirmed he will not be offered a new contract.

Anderson will leave his boyhood county having taken 443 wickets in 112 First-Class appearances since making his debut in 2001, helping them win the County Championship title in 2011, while also taking another 83 wickets in 61 List A matches and 50 in 40 T20 appearances.

A few minutes before Lancashire made their decision public in a statement, Anderson used Instagram to make clear his own feelings.

“I have always found it special walking out to play at Old Trafford and have some incredible memories of doing so including the honour of being captain – 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.”

Anderson had continued to play for Lancashire after his England career came to an end in July 2024, and last year took the captaincy at Old Trafford, where he has an end named after him.

Lancashire’s decision to move on from Anderson comes after the recent appointments of chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace, tasked with rebuilding the club after they finished second bottom of County Championship Division Two having been strong favourites for promotion.

In a statement, Farbrace said he and Kenyon met with Anderson on October 19 to inform him of their decision.

“Jimmy is without doubt the greatest bowler Lancashire and England have produced,” Farbrace said. “He has been a fantastic competitor throughout his career, with exceptional skill and an unwavering commitment to setting the highest standards in every dressing room he has been part of…

“I would like to thank Jimmy for everything he has given to Lancashire Cricket over the course of his career.

“His contribution to the club has been immense, both on and off the field, and he leaves a lasting legacy. We have enormous respect for what he has achieved, and we will always be proud that he has represented Lancashire for so many years.”

It remains to be seen whether Anderson will elect to retire, or continue a career in which he took 704 wickets in 188 Tests, a record for a non-spinner.