Zaheer Khan joins Jaffna franchise as co-owner after Anchor Sports acquisition
On August 4, 2026, former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan joined the Jaffna franchise of the Lanka Premier League as a co-owner following its acquisition by Stockholm-based sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB, the team said. The franchise, previously known as Jaffna Kings, has been rebranded Anchor Jaffna Kings under the new ownership.
Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam and Zaheer Khan have taken over the Jaffna franchise as part of the group's expanding investment in global cricket. Anchor Sports is described as a Stockholm-based global sports ownership group and the takeover is presented as the latest step in that expansion.
Anchor Sports already owns the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League in Belgium and the Vancouver Anchors men's and women's teams in Canada's Super 60 League; the acquisition of the Jaffna franchise is cited as the group's latest expansion into franchise cricket.
The ownership change coincides with Anchor Jaffna Kings sitting in the top two of the ongoing LPL points table. Jaffna have been the tournament's most successful side in its six-year history, winning four championship titles.
Anil Mohan, Chairman and CEO of Innovative Production Group, the tournament rights holder, welcomed the new owners and said the franchise had set a high standard for the league.
Zaheer said his association with Sri Lankan cricket made the investment particularly meaningful. "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," Zaheer said.
LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela welcomed Zaheer's involvement and commented on his potential impact on local players. "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," Dodanwela said.
Anil Mohan concluded with a statement looking to the franchise's future under its new owners: "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," Mohan said.