The Jaffna Kings will remain part of the 2026 Lanka Premier League despite a major ownership change after Innovative Production Group (IPG) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) assumed control of the franchise following the termination of Sports Commune’s ownership, according to a report by Cricinfo.
The move follows Sports Commune’s failure to meet its contractual financial commitments, prompting IPG and SLC to step in and oversee the franchise for the remainder of the tournament.
In an official statement, IPG said: “The termination follows the franchisee’s inability to fulfil its financial obligations under the terms of the franchise agreement. As a result, all rights relating to the Jaffna Kings franchise have reverted to IPG, which, together with Sri Lanka Cricket, has assumed full operational control of the team.”
Financial collapse prompts intervention
According to the report, the franchise’s commercial model came under pressure after sponsorship payments were not passed on as expected, culminating in Jaffna Kings players covering sponsor logos with black tape during their July 22 fixture.
Interim financial assistance has since been arranged to settle the vast majority of outstanding salaries owed to players and support staff, with the remaining payments expected to be completed in accordance with existing contractual obligations.
As previously reported by cricexec, Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested by Sri Lankan authorities as part of an ongoing corruption investigation linked to the 2026 Lanka Premier League. He remains in judicial custody until July 31. Cricinfo also reported that the franchise’s other co-owner, entrepreneur Mayank Goel, has not been contactable after reportedly arriving in Sri Lanka.
With the ownership issue resolved, IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket have assumed responsibility for player, coaching and support staff contracts to ensure the team continues operating without disruption throughout the remainder of the competition.
Focus turns to tournament stability
Anil Mohan, Chief Executive Officer of IPG, said in an official statement: “While this was a difficult decision, our priority has always been to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League and ensure complete stability for our players, coaches, partners, and fans.”
He added: “Together with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have acted swiftly to ensure the Jaffna Kings continue to participate in the tournament without disruption.”
The ownership transition will not affect the club’s participation in this season’s competition, with its fixtures, playing group and involvement in the tournament remaining unchanged.
He said: “We want to assure everyone that all operational matters, including player contracts, staff commitments, and team logistics, are being managed seamlessly.”
He added: “The sixth edition of the LPL will proceed as planned, and we remain fully committed to delivering another successful and world-class tournament.”
The decision closes Sports Commune’s chapter as owners of the Jaffna Kings, while IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket now take responsibility for guiding the franchise through the rest of the 2026 Lanka Premier League.
