James Anderson For IPL 2026? Dream Still On As Legendary Pacer Extends Career

It was the year 2000 in which James Anderson started his professional career, and he will remarkably still be a professional cricketer in a year’s time, in 2026. 

43 now, Anderson has just signed a one-year extension with Lancashire on the back of an extremely successful 2025 season, where he thrived in the T20 Blast and the County Championship and also made his debut in The Hundred. The deal means that Anderson will continue to play beyond his 44th birthday.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign for another year with Lancashire,” Anderson said. 

“This club has been my home since I was a teenager, and I still get the same buzz walking out at Old Trafford that I did when I made my debut.

“I’ve really enjoyed my cricket this year and still feel like I’ve got plenty to offer. I’m as hungry as ever to perform and contribute to the team’s success across both red and white ball cricket.

“We’ve got a really talented squad with great ambitions, and I’m looking forward to helping the group continue to develop, while supporting Crofty in his new role as we push for promotion and trophies in 2026.”

2025 saw Anderson return to T20 cricket after 10 years, and he had an incredible Blast campaign for Lancashire, taking 20 wickets at an economy of 7.85. He did, however, just play 3 matches in The Hundred for Manchester Originals, taking 2 wickets. 

Anderson had registered for the IPL 2025 mega auction but went unsold. It remains to be seen if he will register for the 2026 auction, which will take place next month in the UAE. The veteran could end up getting picked following his outstanding T20 Blast campaign for Lancashire.