Zaheer Khan Becomes Owner of Jaffna Kings in Lanka Premier League

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has made headlines by acquiring the Jaffna Kings franchise in the Lanka Premier League. This move, in partnership with businessman Nagendra Siddoutam, marks a new chapter for the team, which has a rich history in the league. The franchise will be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, and Zaheer expressed his excitement about contributing to Sri Lankan cricket in this new role. With a strong vision for global sports connectivity, the new ownership aims to enhance the league's growth while maintaining local identities. Discover more about this significant development in the world of cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 09:20 IST

Zaheer Khan Enters Sri Lankan Cricket Ownership

New Delhi, August 5: Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has taken a significant step into franchise ownership within Sri Lankan cricket. His partnership with businessman Nagendra Siddoutam has led to the acquisition of the Jaffna Kings, a franchise in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), by their Stockholm-based sports ownership group, Anchor Sports AB.

With this acquisition, the franchise will be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, marking a fresh chapter for the team, which is recognized as the most successful in LPL history. This change follows the termination of the previous ownership last month, as reported by Cricinfo.

The takeover occurred shortly after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group (IPG) placed the franchise under emergency regulatory control due to the previous ownership's termination on July 23.

This acquisition integrates Jaffna Kings into Anchor Sports AB's growing global multi-club network.

According to a media release from IPG, Anchor Sports AB already boasts an international portfolio that includes the Antwerp Anchors in Belgium's European T20 Premier League and the Vancouver Anchors teams competing in Canada's Super60 league.

Zaheer expressed his enthusiasm about this new venture, stating he is eager to contribute to Sri Lankan cricket in this new capacity. He remarked, “I have always admired the caliber, innovation, and variety of bowling talent that comes from Sri Lanka. It’s a country I’ve visited and competed in, holding many fond memories. Being part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner is something I’m genuinely excited about, and I can’t wait to get started with the Anchor Jaffna Kings.”

Nagendra Siddoutam, co-founder of Anchor Sports AB, emphasized that this franchise aligns with their long-term vision of creating a connected global sports network while maintaining strong local identities. He stated, “This is a significant step for us. Sri Lanka has a rich cricketing heritage, and the LPL has quickly established itself as a well-run, competitive league. The Anchor Jaffna Kings will naturally extend our global vision—franchises rooted in their communities while being part of an international Anchor network. We look forward to investing in the Anchor Jaffna Kings and supporting the league’s growth.”

The Jaffna Kings have experienced multiple ownership changes since the LPL's inception. The most recent ownership was by Sports Commune, co-owned by former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra and entrepreneur Mayank Goel. This ownership ended after Kalra's arrest on match-fixing charges in July, while Goel's current status is unknown.

Prior to Sports Commune, the franchise was owned by the Lyca Group from 2021 to 2025, and a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood managed the team during the inaugural LPL season. Each ownership period concluded due to financial difficulties, prompting SLC and IPG to oversee the franchise during the current season.

Despite the off-field challenges, the Jaffna Kings have consistently set the standard in the Lanka Premier League, winning four out of five completed editions and currently leading the league standings to qualify for the playoffs.

LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela welcomed the new ownership, highlighting that Zaheer's involvement would greatly benefit Sri Lankan cricket. She stated, “Having an owner of Zaheer Khan’s caliber involved with the Anchor Jaffna Kings is a real boost for the league. The mentorship and guidance he can provide to our young Sri Lankan players will be invaluable, and we’re excited to see that experience shared both on and off the field.”

Jaffna Kings Squad: Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Kamil Mishara (wk), Nuwanidu Fernando, David Wiese, Dunith Wellalage, Piyush Chawla, Dilshan Madushanka, Lizaad Williams, Traveen Mathew, Shakib Al Hasan, Mohamed Shiraz, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kugathas Mathulan, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Nishan Madushka, Dipendra Singh Airee, Praveen Maneesha.