England bowling legend Jimmy Anderson is a surprise target for T20 franchise league Major League Cricket, according to a report.
The bowler, who is England’s all-time leading Test wicket taker with 704 scalps – at least 100 more than anyone else – retired at the start of the summer after the first Test against West Indies.
He became a red ball-specialist in the latter years of his career, last playing a T20 game in 2014, which game in the Blast for county side Lancashire.
A big pay day is on offer, however, with reports suggesting that the 42-year-old could earn up to £135,000 for a shirt stint in the United States, where the tournament is held.
And according to BBC Sport, an unnamed side are set to explore whether Anderson would be interested in a potential deal that would prove to be a historical move for the league.
Jimmy Anderson has emerged as a shock target for Major League Cricket, a report has claimed
Anderson hasn’t played since calling time on his England career at the start of the summer
He has since been working as a bowling mentor for the side and is keen to stay in the role
MLC debuted in 2023, with six teams representing major cities, and the 2024 season recently concluded with Washington Freedom winning the title.
It sparked controversy this year when Jason Roy opted to play in the competition instead of for county side Surrey.
The likes of Australian trio Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell are some of the other names who have played in the competition.
Anderson, meanwhile, hasn’t played since his final England appearance and it remains unclear if his career will continue away from international cricket.
He joined his country’s coaching team immediately after his retirement, working as a fast bowling mentor for his former team’s attack.
He said last week that he would like to continue the role for the Test series against Pakistan in October and would also be keen to play a part in December’s tour of New Zealand.
Anderson hasn’t played a T20 game for more than 10 years, last featuring in the Blast in 2014
Jason Roy turned his back on his £70,000 England deal to earn £300,000 in the United States
Anderson remains on a central contract with England, while Roy sacrificed his £70,000 white ball deal to join Los Angeles Knight Riders on a two-year contract worth £300,000.
The league has expressed its desire to attract more of England’s top players in the future.
