The contract non-renewal brings an abrupt end to Anderson's 25-year association with his boyhood county.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has strongly criticised Lancashire's management, calling the decision not to renew James Anderson's contract pretty "disrespectful".
Speaking alongside Jos Buttler on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, Broad voiced his deep frustration over how the club handled the exit of England's greatest-ever fast bowler. The contract non-renewal brings an abrupt end to Anderson's 25-year association with his boyhood county.
Following his forced international retirement by the England management in July 2024, Anderson briefly transitioned into a bowling consultant role for the national team while continuing to spearhead Lancashire's attack.
Anderson captained Lancashire during the 2026 season. While he performed exceptionally well individually—taking 50 wickets at a stunning average of 17.68—the club suffered its worst County Championship finish since 1984, finishing second from bottom in Division Two.
Despite Anderson wanting to continue playing into 2027, senior club officials informed him that his contract would not be extended. It is unclear at this stage whether the 44-year-old will seek contract with another county or retire from professional cricket altogether.
"I didn't like it from Lancashire. It was not done in the right way. I think it was disrespectful. You give your icons or greats of the game a better send off than that,” Broad said.
"It shows a lack of leadership at that club. It shows a lack of doing it the right way. Paul Farbrace [Director of Cricket] is new, but where is the chair? Where is the board demanding that this is done in a better way? I get the thought process, 'we could probably get two half-decent cricketers for the one and losing that salary'."
According to reports in the British media, multiple rival counties from both divisions have already reached out to check Anderson’s availability, and Broad doesn’t find it surprising at all.
"It doesn't surprise me that some counties have already been on the phone and seeing what his interest levels are. I don't know what his next steps are. I think his statement was quite interesting. There will be a lot of counties that want him. He offers a huge amount, he's still one of the best bowlers in the country," Broad remarked.
After Lancashire chose to part ways last week, James Anderson shared an emotional message on social media.
"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," Anderson wrote.