Zaheer Khan Enters LPL As Jaffna Kings Owner
Legendary Indian pacer Zaheer Khan increased his involvement in cricket after Anchor Sports AB, the Stockholm-based sports ownership corporation he co-owns with billionaire Nagendra Siddoutam, acquired the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings.
Following the acquisition, the squad will be known as the Anchor Jaffna Kings. As a result of the acquisition, the team has joined Anchor Sports AB’s expanding international multi-club sports network.
The development comes after a turbulent period for the franchise. After the previous ownership dissolved on July 23, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group assumed emergency regulatory control of the Jaffna Kings.
Less than two weeks ago, Sports Commune, co-owned by billionaire Mayank Goel and former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra, lost control of the team.
Goel’s current whereabouts are unknown, and Kalra was arrested on July 16 on accusations of match-fixing and is still in judicial custody. The Lyca Group, which managed the team from 2021 to 2025, sold it to Sports Commune in May 2026. During the first LPL season in 2020, Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood led a group that owned the team.
Despite off-field turmoil, the Jaffna Kings have maintained their dominance on the field. Having won four of the five completed tournaments, they remain the most successful team in LPL history. This season, the squad advanced to the playoffs after finishing first in the league standings.
Zaheer is excited to take on a new role in Sri Lankan cricket, citing his admiration for the country’s bowling skill and happy memories of visiting and competing there. Cricinfo quoted Zaheer as stating,
“I’m genuinely excited to be a part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner, and I can’t wait to get started with the Anchor Jaffna Kings.”
LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela praised the move, believing that Zaheer’s involvement will considerably strengthen the competition.
“Having an owner of Zaheer Khan’s caliber working with the Anchor Jaffna Kings is a huge benefit for the league. The mentorship and guidance he can provide to our young Sri Lankan players will be invaluable, and we’re delighted to see that experience passed down both on and off the field.”
