Broad Slams Lancashire's 'Disrespectful' Call on Anderson Contract

Stuart Broad has criticised Lancashire's decision not to renew James Anderson's contract, describing the move as "disrespectful" to a bowler who has spent much of his career at the heart of English cricket.

Anderson's association with Lancashire stretches back more than two decades, and his rise to the top of the Test game came with the county and England in tandem. He retired from international cricket in 2024 as the most prolific fast bowler in Test history, a record that cements his place among the sport's great pace bowlers. Broad, who shared the England attack with him for years and also finished his Test career as one of the country's leading wicket-takers, has made clear he believes the way the situation has been handled does not reflect what Anderson gave the club.

The decision means Lancashire will not offer Anderson a new deal when his current terms run out, ending a long chapter at Old Trafford. Full details of the club's reasoning and of any talks with Anderson beforehand have not been made public, so it is not yet clear how the parting was arranged or whether there is scope for a change of mind.

Broad's intervention adds to the debate over how established players are managed in their final seasons, particularly those whose careers were built largely at one club. Supporters will be watching closely for a response from Lancashire and any comment from Anderson himself.