Zaheer Khan has joined the ownership group of the Lanka Premier League‘s most successful franchise after Anchor Sports completed its acquisition of the Jaffna Kings, marking a new chapter for the four-time champions ahead of Saturday’s LPL final. The takeover also sees the franchise rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, with Zaheer joining Anchor Sports Owner Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner.
Announcing the development on X, the Lanka Premier League said: “Jaffna has found its Anchor. ⚓👑 Zaheer Khan-co-owned Anchor Sports AB takes ownership of the Jaffna Kings, ushering in a new chapter for the franchise.”
Jaffna has found its Anchor. ⚓👑
Zaheer Khan-co-owned Anchor Sports AB takes ownership of the Jaffna Kings, ushering in a new chapter for the franchise.#LPL2026 #AnchorJaffnaKings pic.twitter.com/dqDSZ4ZjvT
— LPL – Lanka Premier League (@LPLT20) August 5, 2026
The ownership change comes at a significant moment for the franchise, which finished top of the league table with five wins from eight matches before defeating Galle Marvels in Qualifier 1 to secure a direct place in Saturday’s final.
New ownership follows major transition
Anchor Sports’ acquisition completes an ownership transition that has unfolded against the backdrop of significant off-field developments for the franchise during this season’s Lanka Premier League.
As reported previously by cricexec, Sports Commune’s ownership of the Jaffna Kings was terminated after the company failed to meet its contractual financial obligations, prompting Innovative Production Group (IPG) and Sri Lanka Cricket to assume operational control of the franchise to ensure player contracts, team operations and the club’s participation in the tournament continued without disruption while a long-term ownership solution was sought.
The ownership changes followed events earlier in the tournament. As previously reported by cricexec, former India Under-19 World Cup winner and Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra was remanded as part of an ongoing corruption investigation after Sri Lankan authorities alleged he had attempted to approach Jaffna Kings players in connection with the 2026 Lanka Premier League. Kalra has denied wrongdoing and said he is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Zaheer begins new chapter in franchise cricket
Zaheer’s arrival adds one of Indian cricket’s most recognisable former players to the ownership group as Anchor Sports continues expanding its presence in global franchise cricket.
In a statement, Zaheer Khan said: “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.”
Anchor Sports’ growing cricket portfolio already includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League and the Vancouver Anchors men’s and women’s teams in Canada’s Super 60 League, with Jaffna becoming its latest investment.
In a statement, Nagendra Siddoutam said: “This is a significant step for us. Sri Lanka has a rich cricketing heritage, and the LPL has established itself as a well-run, highly competitive league in a short span of time. The Jaffna Anchors will be a natural extension of what we’re building globally — franchises that are rooted in their local communities while being part of a connected, international Anchor network. We’re looking forward to investing in the Jaffna Anchors and contributing to the league’s continued growth.”
League welcomes new ownership
Jaffna has established itself as the benchmark franchise in the Lanka Premier League, winning four titles in the competition’s first six editions and entering this year’s final with another opportunity to add to that record.
In a statement, Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Production Group (IPG), 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 Anchors 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.”
Sankhdhar’s comments were echoed by Lanka Premier League Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela, who highlighted the value Zaheer’s experience could bring to both the franchise and Sri Lankan cricket.
She said in a statement: “Having an owner of Zaheer Khan’s calibre involved with the Anchor Jaffna Kings 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.”
Jaffna’s first opportunity to begin its new era under Anchor Sports will come on Saturday, when the franchise attempts to secure another Lanka Premier League title after booking its place in the final with victory in Qualifier 1.
