1. Zaheer Khan Becomes Co-Owner of Four-Time LPL Champions Jaffna Kings
Former India fast-bowling great Zaheer Khan has joined the Lanka Premier League's (LPL) most successful franchise as co-owner after Stockholm-based global sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB completed the acquisition of the four-time champions Jaffna Kings . Following the acquisition, the franchise has been officially rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, marking the beginning of a new chapter under its new ownership . Zaheer joins Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner as the group continues to expand its presence in global franchise cricket .
2. Anchor Sports AB Acquires Jaffna Kings, Rebrands Franchise for New Era
The acquisition of the Jaffna Kings by Anchor Sports AB, co-owned by Zaheer Khan and Nagendra Siddoutam, has led to the official rebranding of the franchise as Anchor Jaffna Kings . The team, previously owned by Sports Commune, was placed under emergency regulatory control of Sri Lanka Cricket and LPL rights holders following the termination of its previous ownership in July . The new ownership brings stability to the franchise after a period of off-field uncertainty .
3. Zaheer Khan's LPL Move Comes After Controversy Surrounding Previous Jaffna Ownership
Zaheer Khan's entry into LPL ownership comes just weeks after the Jaffna franchise was embroiled in controversy. The previous owners, Sports Commune, had their franchise agreement terminated by Sri Lanka Cricket after co-owner Manjot Kalra, a former India U19 cricketer, was arrested on alleged match-fixing charges . The takeover by Anchor Sports AB has brought a fresh start to the franchise .
4. Jaffna: The Most Successful Franchise in LPL History with Four Titles
Jaffna Kings have set the benchmark in the Lanka Premier League, winning four LPL titles in five completed seasons . The franchise has been the most successful team in the tournament's six-year history and is once again among the frontrunners this year, sitting in the top two of the points table with four wins from six matches under the captaincy of Bhanuka Rajapaksa .
5. Zaheer Khan Joins Exclusive Club of Indian Icons Owning Franchise Teams
Zaheer Khan joins an exclusive club of Indian cricketing legends who have invested in franchise teams across various T20 leagues. Before Zaheer, Rahul Dravid became co-owner of Dublin Guardians in the European T20 Premier League, Sachin Tendulkar bought the Chicago Stars in the National Cricket League, and Yuvraj Singh invested in the Colombo Superstars Strikerz in the Sri Lanka Premier League .
6. Anchor Sports Expands Global Portfolio with Jaffna Acquisition
The acquisition of the Jaffna Kings expands Anchor Sports AB's international portfolio, which already includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League (Belgium) and the Vancouver Anchors men's and women's teams competing in Canada's Super 60 League . The group's vision is to build a connected global sporting network while retaining strong local identities .
7. Zaheer Khan: "Thrilled to Be Part of Sri Lankan Cricket as an Owner"
Expressing his excitement, Zaheer Khan said: "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" .
8. Jaffna's Playoff Berth Secured as New Ownership Takes Over
Despite the off-field uncertainty, Jaffna Kings have remained the benchmark of success in the Lanka Premier League this season. The team has secured a playoff berth and will face Galle Giants in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final scheduled for August 8 in Colombo . The team is currently at the top of the points table with 11 points from eight matches .
9. LPL Tournament Director Hails Zaheer Khan's Involvement as a "Real Boost"
Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, welcomed the new ownership, saying: "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" .
10. IPG CEO Welcomes Anchor Sports to the LPL Family
Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of Innovative Production Group (IPG), the official rights holder of the Lanka Premier League, said: "We welcome Anchor Sports on board and to the LPL family as they take over the iconic Jaffna franchise. Jaffna has been a legendary team in the six-year history of the league, winning four championship titles and setting the benchmark for excellence. We are confident that Anchor Sports will build on this remarkable legacy, bring fresh vision and energy to the franchise and continue to elevate the standard of the Lanka Premier League" .
11. Manjot Kalra's Arrest Precipitated the Jaffna Ownership Change
The ownership change was necessitated after former India U19 cricketer Manjot Kalra, one of the co-owners of the side, was arrested by the Sri Lanka Sports Investigation Unit on charges of match-fixing and attempting to bribe players . The previous ownership had also faced financial difficulties, with reports of unpaid player salaries .
12. Jaffna Kings' Ownership History Marked by Instability
The Jaffna franchise has undergone multiple ownership changes since the inception of the LPL. Most recently, it was owned by Sports Commune, co-owned by Manjot Kalra and Mayank Goel. Before that, the franchise was owned by the Lyca Group from 2021 to 2025, while a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood controlled the team during the inaugural LPL season . Each ownership tenure ended due to financial issues, prompting SLC and IPG to step in and manage the franchise .
13. Zaheer's International Experience to Benefit Young Sri Lankan Players
Zaheer Khan's vast international experience is expected to play an important role in shaping the team's future both on and off the field . The former India fast bowler played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for India, taking 311 Test wickets and 282 ODI wickets . His mentorship of young Sri Lankan players is seen as a major positive for the league .
14. Anchor Sports' Long-Term Vision: Building a Global Cricket Network
Nagendra Siddoutam, Owner of Anchor Sports, said: "This is a significant step for us. Sri Lanka has a rich cricketing heritage, and the LPL has established itself as a well-run, highly competitive league in a short span of time. The Jaffna Anchors will be a natural extension of what we're building globally — franchises that are rooted in their local communities while being part of a connected, international Anchor network" .
15. Zaheer Khan's Journey: From Player to Coach to Franchise Owner
Zaheer Khan's entry into franchise ownership represents the latest chapter in his post-retirement cricket journey. The former India left-arm pacer has previously worked as a bowling coach in the IPL and as a commentator . His move into team ownership reflects the growing trend of former cricketers investing in franchise cricket to help develop the game globally .
FAQ
Q1: Which franchise has Zaheer Khan become co-owner of?
Zaheer Khan has become co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which has been rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings after the acquisition .
Q2: Who is Zaheer Khan's co-owner partner?
Zaheer joins Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner of the franchise .
Q3: Why did the Jaffna franchise change ownership?
The previous owners, Sports Commune, had their franchise agreement terminated by Sri Lanka Cricket after co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested on alleged match-fixing charges. The franchise was then acquired by Anchor Sports AB .
Q4: How many LPL titles has Jaffna won?
Jaffna Kings have won four LPL titles in five completed seasons, making them the most successful franchise in the league's history .
Q5: What is the new name of the franchise?
The franchise has been officially rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings following the acquisition .
Q6: Does Anchor Sports own other teams?
Yes, Anchor Sports also owns the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League and the Vancouver Anchors men's and women's teams in Canada's Super 60 League .
Q7: What did Zaheer Khan say about becoming an owner?
Zaheer said: "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" .
Q8: Have other Indian cricketers bought franchise teams?
Yes, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Yuvraj Singh have also invested in franchise teams across various T20 leagues .