Zaheer Khan Becomes Co-Owner of Jaffna Kings as Anchor Sports Takes Over Lanka Premier League Franchise

The Jaffna franchise of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) has been acquired by Anchor Sports AB, a Stockholm-based global sports ownership group, with former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan joining as co-owner. The franchise, previously known as Jaffna Kings, has been officially rebranded as 'Anchor Jaffna Kings', marking the beginning of a new chapter under its new ownership.

Nagendra Siddoutam, owner of Anchor Sports, alongside Zaheer, has taken over the franchise as part of the group's continued expansion in global cricket. Anchor Sports already owns the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League (Belgium) and the Vancouver Anchors men's and women's teams in Canada's Super 60 League.

Jaffna are currently in the top two of the LPL points table and have been the most successful franchise in the league's history, winning four championship titles across six seasons and setting the benchmark for excellence.

'A Real Boost for the League'

Welcoming Anchor Sports on board, Anil Mohan, Chairman and CEO of Innovative Production Group — the tournament rights holder — 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. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for Jaffna and wish the new ownership every success."

Zaheer Khan: 'Genuinely Thrilled'

Zaheer Khan, co-owner at Anchor Sports, expressed his excitement about the new venture: "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 Jaffna Anchors."

The former left-arm seamer, who retired from international cricket in 2015, is one of India's greatest fast bowlers, having claimed 311 wickets in Tests and 282 in ODIs during a distinguished career.

High Praise from Tournament Director

Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, highlighted the value Zaheer's involvement brings to the competition: "Having an owner of Zaheer Khan's calibre involved with the Jaffna Anchor 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."

The acquisition marks a significant moment for the LPL, as one of India's most celebrated cricketers aligns himself with Sri Lankan cricket's premier T20 competition. With Jaffna currently sitting in the top two of the points table, the new ownership will be eager to maintain the franchise's winning tradition while injecting fresh vision into one of the league's most storied teams.