MLC franchises eye James Anderson for the 2025 season - Reports
Veteran pace bowler James Anderson has emerged as a target for Major League Cricket (MLC) franchises ahead of the 2025 season. The 42-year-old recently retired from international cricket during England's home season, and is currently serving as the team's fast bowling mentor.
According to a report by BBC, at least one of the six MLC franchises is interested in acquiring Anderson's services following the 42-year-old's comments last month about a potential return to white ball cricket.
Anderson last played T20 cricket for Lancashire during the 2014 T20 Blast season. He played 44 T20 matches in his career, including 19 for the national team, and took 41 wickets at an average of 32.14 and an economy of 8.47.
James Anderson is expected to continue in his role as England's fast bowling mentor with several new pacers coming into the setup. England are scheduled to tour Pakistan and New Zealand in the coming months following the culmination of their home red-ball season.
"I really feel I'll be good enough to play that form of cricket" - James Anderson
The pacer's white-ball ambitions were stirred up after witnessing record ball movement during the 2024 edition of The Hundred. The logo and lacquer on the ball reportedly resulted in a more-than-usual degree of swing, which the new ball bowlers took full advantage of.
"There's definitely a bit of intrigue with the shorter formats because I've not played any franchise stuff before. Watching The Hundred this year, seeing the ball swing around, it makes me feel like I could do a job there. I know it's a while since I played it and my age will get brought up again but I really feel I'll be good enough to play that form of cricket," Anderson said last month (via BBC).
The MLC has not had much influx from English talents since its inception in 2023, with Jason Roy being the sole player to feature, that too after ending his central contract with England. The fact that it coincides with the T20 Blast has led to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) refusing to provide a No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to its players.
However, it should be an issue for James Anderson if he actively pursues that route.