Zaheer Khan-backed Anchor Sports AB acquires Jaffna Kings in Lanka Premier League

Legendary India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has acquired the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings through Anchor Sports AB, a Stockholm-based sports ownership group co-owned by him and businessman Nagendra Siddoutam. Following the acquisition the team will now be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings.

Anchor Sports AB's takeover will help the team return to a stable and structured environment after it had been under the emergency management of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group since July 23, following the termination of its previous ownership. The acquisition also brings the Jaffna franchise into Anchor Sports AB's expanding global multi-club sports network.

"The acquisition further strengthens Anchor Sports' growing 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 Super60 league," an IPG media release said.

The acquisition by Anchor Sports AB comes less than two weeks after Jaffna's previous owners, Sports Commune, co-owned by former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra and entrepreneur Mayank Goel, had their ownership terminated. Kalra was arrested on July 16 and remains in remand custody on match-fixing charges, while Goel has been absconding.

Sports Commune had acquired the franchise in May from the Lyca Group, which owned Jaffna from 2021 to 2025. During the inaugural LPL season in 2020, the team was owned by a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood.

Each ownership group has exited after failing to meet its financial obligations. Following Kalra's arrest, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group (IPG) stepped in with emergency funding and assumed direct operational control to ensure the franchise could continue participating in the ongoing season.

Sharing his thoughts about the deal, Zaheer said he was thrilled to own the team in Sri Lanka, where he’s played a lot of cricket during his career.

"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,” said Zaheer in a media release.

Jaffna Kings finish on top in league stage

Meanwhile, despite the off-field controversies, Jaffna have emerged as the most successful franchise in LPL history. They have won four of the five completed editions of the tournament and are once again in the middle of a good season.

Jaffna have finished at the top of the points table after the league stages of the LPL 2026, winning five out of eight matches. They will next take on Galle Gallants in Qualifier 1 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday, August 5.