Zaheer Khan Becomes Co-owner of 4-Time LPL champions Jaffna Kings
Former India fast bowling legend Zaheer Khan has entered the world of franchise ownership after becoming the co-owner of the Lanka Premier League’s (LPL) most successful team, Jaffna Kings.
Stockholm-based global sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB has completed the acquisition of the four-time LPL champions, following which the franchise has been renamed Anchor Jaffna Kings.
Zaheer Khan has joined Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner, as the group continues to strengthen its presence in international franchise cricket.
The acquisition brings another renowned cricket figure into the LPL setup, with Zaheer’s vast experience as an international player expected to add significant value to a team that has dominated the competition.
Jaffna Kings have won four titles in five completed LPL seasons and remain among the strongest teams in the ongoing tournament. The franchise is currently placed in the top two positions on the points table, having registered four victories from six matches under captain Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
Welcoming the new ownership, Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of Innovative Production Group (IPG), the official rights holder of the Lanka Premier League, said that Jaffna has created a remarkable legacy in the tournament.
"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," he said.
Sankhdhar added that Anchor Sports’ vision and global experience would help take the franchise to new heights.
"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. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for Jaffna and wish the new ownership every success," he added.
Expressing his excitement over the new role, Zaheer Khan said he has always admired Sri Lanka’s cricketing culture and the quality of talent produced by the country.
"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 said.
The move further expands Anchor Sports’ international cricket portfolio, which includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League and the Vancouver Anchors men’s and women’s teams participating in Canada’s Super 60 League.
Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam described the acquisition as a major milestone for the group’s global franchise ambitions.
"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," he said.
LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela also welcomed Zaheer Khan’s involvement, saying his experience and guidance could provide valuable mentorship to young Sri Lankan players.
"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," she said.
The arrival of Anchor Sports marks another significant step in the growth of the Lanka Premier League, highlighting the tournament’s increasing appeal among global cricket personalities and sports investors.
