Lancashire won't offer 44-year-old James Anderson a new contract, despite 50 wickets at 17 this season. The right call for a rebuild, or a legend pushed out too soon?

What happened

Lancashire have decided not to offer James Anderson a contract for 2027, according to The Times, ending a 25-year association with his home county. Anderson, 44, captained the side in 2026 and took 50 Division Two wickets at an average of about 17, but Lancashire finished seventh of eight, their lowest placing in club history. New chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace reportedly told him at a meeting on Monday. He is expected to retire.

Why people disagree

One side says his figures speak for themselves: 50 wickets at 17 in a struggling team, and a bowler of his standing should choose when he stops, not be shown the door. The other side says a club coming off its worst season needs to rebuild around younger players, that Anderson turns 45 during next season, and that new management is entitled to make hard calls.

What's still unclear

Lancashire have given no reason and declined to comment. It isn't clear whether Anderson will formally retire or be tempted by another county, or what role, if any, he might keep at Old Trafford.