By Salma El-Sakka
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has criticized Lancashire for their handling of James Anderson’s departure, calling the county’s decision not to offer the 44-year-old a new contract “disrespectful.”
Broad questions leadership
Speaking on the podcast he co-hosts with Jos Buttler, For The Love of Cricket, Broad said Lancashire should have given Anderson a better send-off after he took 50 County Championship wickets at an average of 17 and won the club’s player of the year award. “I think you give your icons or greats of the game a better sign-off,” Broad said, adding that the move showed a lack of leadership.
Anderson disappointed but may seek new club
Anderson, who has represented Lancashire since 2000, expressed disappointment, saying, “If it was up to me, it wouldn’t have ended like this,” and indicated he may look for a fresh club. The decision follows administrative changes, including the arrival of chief executive Richard Kenyon and director of cricket Paul Farbrace, with management aiming to build a squad capable of promotion within three to four years.
Parallels with England exit
Broad drew parallels with the end of Anderson’s England Test career in 2024, which he said was handled poorly by director of cricket Rob Key and coach Brendon McCullum. “This, again, it just doesn’t sit that comfortably for me and I think he deserves more,” Broad added.
