'I signed here wanting to play all games': Nathan Lyon slams Cricket Australia over shortening the County stint

Australian spinning legend Nathan Lyon has voiced his discontent with Cricket Australia over their decision to limit his County Championship stint in England this season. The 36-year-old was set to play the entire season for Lancashire but had his time cut short by his national board, much to his frustration.

Lyon was one of several Aussie cricketers who headed to England over the winter to gain valuable experience in county cricket ahead of a busy home summer. The veteran off-spinner signed with Lancashire, seeing it as a chance to not only sharpen his skills but also play alongside long-time Ashes rival James Anderson.

However, Cricket Australia intervened, restricting Lyon to just seven matches for the county side. "That’s the nature of the beast. It’s a business now and Cricket Australia have come over the top and said they want to manage me and hopefully extend my playing career for the next three to four years, whatever it may be," Lyon told BBC Lancashire.

Also read: Nathan Lyon on upcoming County stint and Ashes 2027 target

It’s disappointing: Nathan Lyon

The off-spinner was disappointed by the decision, admitting he had signed with Lancashire wanting to play the entire season and even feature in some T20 cricket. "It’s disappointing because I signed here wanting to play all games and even play some T20 cricket and was thoroughly looking forward to that, But it is what it is and my hands are tied," he said.

Lyon added that the opportunity to bowl together with Anderson was a major factor in his decision to join Lancashire. “That would be pretty amazing. I’d be lying if I said that opportunity coming around wasn’t a big part of the reason I signed,” the Australian spinner said.

Also read: CA reveals 2024-25 contracts, four newcomers in but Marcus Stoinis left out

“He’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest, fast bowlers to have played the game, If the opportunity comes around that I get to bowl in tandem with him and share a changing room with him it will be pretty special, so I’m looking forward to that,” he further added.

Lancashire will lock horns with Surrey at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium beginning on Friday, April 05.