Lancashire to consider James Anderson farewell after members’ anger

Lancashire will consider arranging a farewell for James Anderson after the decision to release the veteran fast bowler prompted anger among club members at a meeting at Old Trafford on Monday.

About 200 members attended the meeting with Lancashire chief executive Richard Kenyon and incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace. Members said the end-of-season decision had deprived them of a chance to thank Anderson and celebrate his career. The club agreed to look into a way to mark his contribution, BBC Sport reported.

Farbrace, who joined by video from the United States, defended the decision, saying Lancashire wanted to build a squad capable of winning the County Championship within four years and did not expect Anderson, who turns 45 next year, to be part of that plan. One attendee told the BBC the mood remained mixed, although some members felt Farbrace had eased tensions.

Anderson, who first represented Lancashire in 2001, captained the county in the Championship last season and took 50 wickets, earning its player-of-the-year award. Lancashire finished second-bottom in Division Two.

The county announced last week that it would not retain him. Anderson has taken 911 international wickets, an England record, and 443 first-class wickets for Lancashire. He has not announced his retirement, and several counties have expressed interest in signing him for next season.

Anderson said he had hoped to continue with Lancashire before the club decided against renewing his contract for 2027. He has stopped short of retiring, leaving open the possibility of playing for another county.