Kent head coach Adam Hollioake is to take charge of a team at the Italia T10 Cricket competition – co-owned by arguably England’s best-ever bowler.
Hollioake, 55, will be at the helm of the Napoli Knights for the tournament, which is due to take place in Rome from November 18 until November 29.
The Knights have announced James Anderson as a co-owner. The 44-year-old swing bowler, who has taken more wickets for England than anyone else, picking up 704 Test scalps at 26.45, is also expected to play in the tournament and has been confirmed as the Knights’ captain.
Anderson and Hollioake – the latter steering Kent to County Championship Division 2 promotion this summer – have worked together when the latter was a consultant as part of England’s coaching set-up.
“Benvenuto, coach,” the Napoli Knights wrote on a social media post. “We’re delighted to announce former England captain Adam Hollioake as the first head coach of the Napoli Knights.
“A trophy-winning captain at Surrey and now leading Kent to promotion, Adam brings a winning mentality and decades of experience to Napoli as we build towards our first Italia T10 campaign.”
The news comes just days after Lancashire confirmed they would not offer Anderson a new contract for 2027 and beyond.
He was told by Ash-born new Lancashire director of cricket Paul Farbrace the club didn’t intend to offer him a fresh deal despite claiming 50 County Championship 2026 wickets at 17.68. Only six players, among which are Kent’s Matt Milnes, had better red-ball records than Anderson.
And Anderson made his disappointment clear in an Instagram post, saying: “I’ve supported Lancashire since I was [a] kid and so to get to play for them for 25 years was a dream come true.
“I have always found it special, walking out to play at Old Trafford and have some incredible memories of doing so, including the honour of being captain.
“If it was up to me, it wouldn’t have ended like this, but I wish the players and fans all the best for the future.”
News of the pair working together fuels potential speculation Anderson could continue his county career under Hollioake with Kent.
Anderson will again work alongside former Lancashire wicketkeeper Luke Sutton, who is the other Napoli Knights co-owner.
