Major update emerges on James Anderson's cricket future after Lancashire exit confirmed
James Anderson has taken over as co-owner of a team in the brand-new Italia T10 League and could play for the team - in what is his first major cricketing decision since Lancashire announced they would not be renewing his contract.
The Red Rose county confirmed on Sunday, following initial reports from The Times, that Anderson had been informed that he would not be receiving a contract for the 2027 season.
The 44-year-old therefore will end a 25-year playing association with Lancashire, though incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace - who, along with new chief executive Richard Kenyon, made the decision to part ways - stated at a members' meeting earlier this week that he hoped Anderson would remain at Emirates Old Trafford in some capacity.
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The future of England's leading Test wicket-taker is unclear for now, though counties have expressed interest in signing him for 2027. But in the meantime, he is clearly not planning to remove himself from cricket entirely whatever he decides.
James Anderson takes on co-ownership role with ex-Lancashire team-mate
Anderson has taken first steps into his post-playing career by acquiring the Napoli Knights franchise, who are set to play in the inaugural Italia T10 League in November.
An associate member of the ICC since 1995, Italy has taken great strides in cricket in recent years, and have made a concerted effort to recruit dual-nationality players to play for their national team. They reached the group stage of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup and beat Scotland in their opening match.
Anderson has teamed up with former Lancashire team-mate Luke Sutton as part of his new venture. And the 44-year-old is said to be in line to play for and captain the franchise 'provided there are no conflicting commitments', according to BBC Sport's Timothy Abraham.
Anderson and Sutton played together at Lancashire, when the former's England commitments allowed, between 2006 and 2010, when Sutton was signed to the club as first-choice wicket-keeper.
The Italia T10 League is endorsed by the Italian Cricket Federation. It will take place over 12 days starting from November 18, with a number of former international cricketers slated to take part.
Just as significantly as Anderson's arrival, the tournament will see the return of West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who retired from international cricket at the end of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
The 47-year-old has been playing in Legends matches for the West Indies, and will be joined by the likes of Shaun Marsh and Dawid Malan in playing at the Roma Cricket Ground, which will host all matches of the Italia T10 League.
What James Anderson said after Lancashire exit announced
In a statement posted to Instagram, Anderson said his Lancashire departure was not his decision - and stopped short of confirming his retirement from playing.
He wrote: "I've supported Lancashire since I was a kid, and so to get to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true.
"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."
His long-time England team-mate and new-ball partner Stuart Broad led the replies to Anderson's post, writing: "The influence you've had on that club and country is incredible. Inspiring generations to play the game we love, motivating team-mates and giving supporters memories of a lifetime. Whatever comes next will be exciting mate. Notts?"
Ryan Smart