Lancashire legend Jimmy Anderson has confirmed his exit from Old Trafford was not on his terms after 25 years with the Red Rose

Jimmy Anderson has confirmed he was AXED by Lancashire after 25 years with the Red Rose.

England's greatest-ever fast bowler captained his boyhood county last term and took 50 wickets at an average of just 17 from 11 Championship matches in a season of struggle for the Old Trafford outfit.

He had expected to go again next year, but was informed the club would not be renewing his contract.

Anderson, 44, is yet to announce whether he will continue his playing career elsewhere. But, in a statement, he has revealed the decision to leave Lancashire was not his.

"I’ve supported Lancashire since I was kid, and so to get to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true," he wrote on social media.

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"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 has a stand named after him at Old Trafford and is widely acknowledged as the county's finest-ever cricketer.

Incoming Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace explained the decision, stating: "Jimmy is without doubt the greatest bowler Lancashire and England have produced. 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.

“Following a meeting with Jimmy and Richard Kenyon at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday 19 October, I spoke to Jimmy about our ambitions to rebuild our men’s squad that is capable of securing promotion from Division Two of the County Championship and then challenging to win Division One over the next three to four years.

“We are keen to begin that rebuild now, both in terms of the playing squad and the wider professional cricket set-up, and to make important progress over the coming months. As part of those plans, I informed Jimmy that we had taken the incredibly difficult decision not to extend his playing contract for the 2027 season.

“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.”

Anderson took 704 Test wickets, the most of any fast bowler in history, from 188 matches. He also claimed 269 scalps in 194 one-day internationals.

For Lancashire, Anderson made 112 first-class appearances, taking 443 wickets.