Anderson 'shocked' by Lancs exit and unsure if he will continue

Lancashire's decision was made by their incoming director of cricket Paul Farbrace, who held a meeting with Anderson and Lancashire's new chief executive Richard Kenyon.

In 2024, England also chose to move on from their record wicket-taker in similar circumstances as they attempted to refresh and build an attack for the 2025-26 Ashes in Australia.

"All of the way through the season myself and the head coach were like 'is it something we are doing? Could we be doing more to help the team?'" Anderson said.

"Now I am thinking that even more.

"I wanted to see my career out with Lancs.

"I don't know if my career is done, we will have to wait and see, but it would be nice at some point if someone would let me retire."

The decision has angered Lancashire members and was criticised for being "pretty disrespectful" by Anderson's former England bowling partner Stuart Broad, who said it showed a lack of leadership given the veteran was not given a farewell.

In addition to his 911 international wickets - an England record and a record for all pace bowlers - Anderson claimed 443 first-class scalps for Lancashire, along with 83 in List A cricket and a further 50 in T20s.

He joked he "wouldn't have thought" he could play for Lancashire's historic rivals Yorkshire, but on his future added: "I am still trying to process everything and weigh up the best way forward for me.

"I am starting to get excited about the future, whether it is something different or playing cricket again. It is exciting.

"There are exciting challenges ahead. I have to attack it like that and not dwell too much on how or why it finished at Lancs."

He added: "I am sad the way it ended with the club I supported as a kid but now I have thought about it I am quite excited for the future.

"I feel like I have a special connection with the club and will always support them."