James Anderson to return to T20 cricket after 11 years as pacer extends contract with Lancashire

James Anderson last played a professional T20 match in August 2014.

Former England pacer James Anderson will have the opportunity to return to T20 cricket with the T20 Blast 2025 after a 11-year gap as he’s signed a one-year contract extension with Lancashire.

Anderson retired from international cricket last July, winding down a career of 188 test matches, in which he took 704 wickets, 194 ODIs and 19 T20Is.

His last T20I for England was in 2009 and his last T20 match was in 2014.

Anderson had entered the IPL 2025 mega auction but went unsold. Since international retirement, he hasn’t played professional cricket and joined England’s coaching staff as a consultant.

“I am incredibly excited to sign this contract with Lancashire and resume playing professional cricket again next season. This club has played a huge part in my life since I was a teenager, so to have the opportunity to wear the Red Rose again and help the side in both red and white ball cricket is one that I am really looking forward to,” Anderson said.

James Anderson has taken the most international wickets among fast bowlers

The 42-year-old made his Lancashire debut in 2001.

“I have been working hard on keeping my fitness levels high and continuing to bowl regularly during my time as a coach with England throughout the winter, with the aim of being able to hit the ground running when the county season starts in April.

“I love playing at Emirates Old Trafford and to have the chance to walk out and bowl in front of our Members and supporters again this summer is going to be really special,” he added.

While he wasn’t picked in the IPL auction, Anderson could feature in other T20 leagues in the world.

James Anderson is currently in the UAE with England’s fast bowlers ahead of their white-ball tour to India and is set to be part of the coaching staff for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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