&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "James Anderson, 42, enters BBL draft; could become oldest overseas player to feature in league history")
Legendary English cricketer James Anderson will be one of the 600 names that will feature in the Big Bash League (BBL 2025-26) season after a final list was revealed on Tuesday (June 17). Anderson, who turns 43 next month will be the highlight reel of the drafts as he remains one of the marquee names. The English speedster holds the record for most wickets in Test format by a fast bowler with 704 and could become the oldest overseas player to feature in the BBL history if picked.
James Anderson enters BBL draft
Anderson, who hung his boots at the international level for England in July 2024, is ready to test his body at 42. He was one of the names who entered the IPL 2025 auctions but remained unsold. Now closing to 43, Anderson is ready to test his luck again as he enters the BBL 2025-26 drafts in what will be a hot summer for the English fraternity.
If picked in drafts, Anderson will be Down Under with the rest of the England squad that will feature in a crunch Ashes series which starts in November.
The veteran England bowler with 704 wickets in Test format is third on the list for most wickets, also sitting top of the list for most by any fast bowler.
He last featured for England in the Test series against the West Indies in July 2024 and has since played in domestic T20 leagues. Notably, he was not picked by any side in The Hundred drafts in March and will have to watch the season from the sidelines.
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Will Anderson become the oldest player in BBL history?
If picked by any franchise, Anderson could become the second-oldest player to feature in the BBL history. Currently, Australia’s Bead Hogg holds the record to be the oldest player in BBL history having played at the age of 46 years and 350 days.
Oldest BBL players
Brad Hogg - 46y, 350 days (2018)
James Anderson - 43y, 140 days (estimated for start off BBL season in Dec 2025)
Shane Warne - 43y, 125d (2013)
Brad Hodge - 43, 24d (2018)
Dan Christian - 41, 258d (2025)
