James Anderson has expressed regret after Lancashire confirmed that they would not be renewing his contract after a 25-year association with the club.

The 44-year-old led his boyhood side in the County Championship last season and topped the wicket-taking charts in a difficult summer, but has not been offered new terms.

The decision was confirmed to Anderson last week in a meeting with Paul Farbrace, recently appointed as director of cricket, and Lancashire’s new chief executive Richard Kenyon.

Anderson is the leading wicket-taker among seam bowlers in Test history, and finishes his Lancashire career with 443 wickets across 112 first-class appearances since making his debut in 2001.

The bowler posted on social media: “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 was ended in July 2024. The county finished second from bottom in Division Two in 2026.

It is thought that he will have significant interest from other counties to continue his playing career if he wishes to.

In a statement, Farbrace said he and Kenyon met with Anderson on 19 October 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.”