James Anderson, England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, has become an unexpected target for Major League Cricket (MLC), with discussions underway about his potential participation in the U.S. T20 tournament next year.
According to BBC Sport, senior figures associated with at least one MLC team have been intrigued by Anderson’s recent comments about a possible return to white-ball cricket.
The 42-year-old fast bowler, who retired from international Test cricket in July, could be set to join the third edition of the MLC, which is scheduled for 2025.
Anderson’s impressive career, marked by 704 Test wickets, has positioned him as one of cricket’s all-time greats. Despite his retirement from international Test cricket following the first Test against the West Indies at Lord’s, Anderson has continued to remain closely linked with the game.
He joined the England backroom team immediately after his retirement and is still on a central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) until the end of September.
In an intriguing turn of events, the unnamed MLC franchise is reportedly exploring whether Anderson would be interested in a short stint with the league.
Anderson could potentially earn around £135,000 for his participation, which represents a significant financial incentive and a chance to showcase his skills in a different format.
The MLC has already attracted high-profile players in its previous editions. For the 2024 tournament, notable names included Australia captain Pat Cummins, who has a lucrative contract with the San Francisco Unicorns that extends until 2027.
The Washington Freedom team, coached by Ricky Ponting, featured Australian stars Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Travis Head, and triumphed in this year’s competition.
Anderson’s potential involvement in MLC would mark a new chapter in his illustrious career.
Although he has transitioned to a role as a fast-bowling mentor for England’s Test series against Pakistan in October and plans to join the team for their tour of New Zealand in December, the allure of T20 cricket and the opportunity to play in the U.S. could be a compelling proposition for the veteran paceman.
As Anderson continues his contributions to English cricket, his potential move to MLC would not only highlight the growing appeal of the T20 format but also underscore the league’s ability to attract cricketing legends.
With discussions reportedly ongoing, the cricket world will be watching closely to see if one of England’s most celebrated bowlers will indeed make his mark in the American T20 league.
