Zaheer Khan becomes co-owner of Jaffna Kings as Anchor Sports AB acquires LPL franchise

Legendary India pacer Zaheer Khan has expanded his footprint in cricket ownership after Anchor Sports AB, the Stockholm-based sports ownership group he co-owns with businessman Nagendra Siddoutam, acquired Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings.

Following the takeover, the franchise will be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings. The acquisition also brings the team into Anchor Sports AB's growing global multi-club sports network.

The development comes after a turbulent period for the franchise. Since July 23, Jaffna Kings had been under the emergency regulatory control of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group, following the termination of the previous ownership.

The ownership change comes less than two weeks after Sports Commune, co-owned by former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra and entrepreneur Mayank Goel, lost control of the franchise.

Kalra was arrested on July 16 and remains in judicial custody on charges of alleged match-fixing, while Goel's whereabouts are currently unknown. Sports Commune had acquired the franchise in May 2026 after taking over from the Lyca Group, which owned the team from 2021 to 2025. During the inaugural LPL season in 2020, the franchise was owned by a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood.

Despite the off-field uncertainty, Jaffna Kings have continued to dominate on the field. They remain the most successful team in LPL history, having won four of the five completed editions of the tournament. The franchise also finished at the top of the points table during the league stage this season to qualify for the playoffs.

Expressing his excitement over the acquisition, Zaheer said he was looking forward to contributing to Sri Lankan cricket in a new role.

"I've always admired the calibre, innovation and variety of bowling talent that comes out of Sri Lanka - it's a country I've visited, competed in, and hold very fond memories of. To now be part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner is something I'm genuinely thrilled about, and I can't wait to get started with the Anchor Jaffna Kings," Zaheer was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela welcomed the development and believes Zaheer's involvement will be a major boost for the competition.

"Having an owner of Zaheer Khan's calibre involved with the Anchor Jaffna Kings is a real boost for the league. The mentorship and direction he can offer our young Sri Lankan players will be enormous, and we're excited to see that experience passed on both on and off the field."