‘Disrespectful’: Broad tears into Lancashire over Anderson's shock exit

Stuart Broad has criticised Lancashire for the manner in which they ended their association with James Anderson, saying England’s record Test wicket-taker deserved a far better farewell from his county.Lancashire announced on Sunday that Anderson’s contract would not be renewed, bringing his stint with the club to an end despite an impressive season. The 44-year-old claimed 50 County Championship wickets at an average of 17 and was named Lancashire’s player of the year.

Anderson suggested that the decision was not his to make, expressing disappointment over how his time at the club had concluded.“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," he said.Broad, who shared England’s pace attack with Anderson for years, questioned Lancashire’s handling of the situation and said the veteran deserved greater respect.“I think it’s a pretty disrespectful way for Lancashire to deliver that news to him," Broad said on the For The Love of Cricket podcast. “I think you give your icons or greats of the game a better sign-off, a better send-off than that, and it shows a lack of leadership at that club, a lack of doing it in the right way."

Anderson brought his Test career to a close in 2024 with 704 wickets, making him the most successful fast bowler in the history of the format. Only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan, with 800 wickets, and Shane Warne, with 708, finished ahead of him on the all-time Test list.

Broad also drew parallels between Lancashire’s decision and the way Anderson’s England career ended two years earlier. He said the veteran had been taken by surprise when director of cricket Rob Key and former head coach Brendon McCullum brought his international Test journey to an end.“I feel for Jimmy because the Test career sort of got ended by (director of cricket) Rob Key and (former coach) Brendon McCullum before — a bit of a shock to Jimmy for sure, and done in a pretty poor way," Broad said. “This, again, it just doesn’t sit that comfortably for me and I think he deserves more."