Photo: James Anderson (Getty)
James Anderson Becomes Co-owner of New Italian T10 Franchise: A Major Move Following His Departure from Lancashire
Legendary England fast bowler James Anderson has become a co-owner of the 'Naples' franchise in a new T10 league set to begin in Italy next month. This news comes at a time when Lancashire has confirmed that it will not be offering a new contract to the 44-year-old Anderson for the upcoming season, leaving his future as a player uncertain.
Italian T10 League and 'Napoli Knights'
The 'Italia T10 League' is scheduled to take place in Rome from November 18 to 29. The league was established by 'Apex T10 Limited,' a company owned by former Essex and Surrey batter Nadeem Shahid.
On Tuesday, the league officially announced that one of its franchises, the 'Napoli Knights,' will be managed by the British talent management agency, Activate Sport and Leisure. Former Lancashire wicketkeeper Luke Sutton, who runs the agency, and James Anderson have been named co-owners of the team. However, it remains unclear whether Anderson has invested his own capital or if he has received his ownership stake in the form of 'sweat equity.'
Anderson disappointed by Lancashire’s decision
Last week, Paul Farbrace, Lancashire’s new Director of Cricket, informed Anderson that the club would not be renewing his contract for the upcoming season. Anderson appeared deeply disappointed by this decision. He wrote on Instagram:
If it had been up to me, it wouldn’t have ended this way. But I wish the players and the fans all the best for the future.
His former England teammate, Stuart Broad, also sharply criticized Lancashire’s approach. Broad stated:
I really don’t like the way Lancashire handled this. You don’t bid farewell to legends of the game—your own icons—in this manner. It reflects a lack of leadership within the club.
A shift in stance: From T20/T10 detachment to a new direction
Anderson becoming the owner of a T10 team has come as a surprise to many, given that he showed very little interest in franchise or short-format cricket throughout his career. Just last year, reflecting on his brief stint with the Manchester Originals in 'The Hundred,' he remarked that he "disliked every minute of it."
Since retiring from international cricket, Anderson has remained active in media and coaching; he has served as an expert for the BBC and has also worked as part of the coaching staff for the England team.
