Legendary fast bowler James Anderson has taken a surprising new step in his career by being named co-owner of the Napoli Knights franchise in the upcoming Italia T10 League. The tournament is scheduled to run from November 18 to 29 in Rome, marking a fresh chapter for the 44-year-old just days after Lancashire confirmed he would not be offered a new playing contract for next season.
Anderson will co-own the team alongside his former teammate and manager Luke Sutton, who runs the British talent management agency Activate Sport and Leisure. While the exact financial terms remain undisclosed, the venture brings the veteran fast bowler into franchise ownership despite his historically sparse involvement in short-form cricket and previous reservations about domestic T20 competitions.
New Venture After Lancashire Exit
The announcement follows Anderson’s public disappointment regarding his departure from Lancashire after a remarkable 25-year association with the county club. Director of cricket Paul Farbrace informed the veteran that his contract would not be renewed, prompting a candid social media post from the player expressing that he would have preferred a different conclusion to his tenure. His playing future across county cricket for the 2027 season remains entirely undecided.
- James Anderson joins Luke Sutton as co-owner of Napoli Knights in the Italia T10 League.
- The T10 tournament is set to launch in Rome and run from November 18 to 29.
- The venture comes immediately after Lancashire announced they will not offer Anderson a contract for next season.
- Italy’s growing cricketing profile follows the national team’s appearance at the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Growing the Game in Italy
The Italia T10 League aims to capitalise on the rising popularity of the sport in the country, bolstered by the Italian men’s national team competing at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. Additional franchises in the upcoming competition have attracted international interest, including investment groups associated with Pakistan Super League teams. Anderson expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that the tournament provides an exciting platform to help develop cricket in an emerging European nation while engaging new audiences globally.
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