Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan became the co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) on 4 August 2026. This change happened after the Stockholm-based group Anchor Sports AB bought the team. Consequently, the team will now be known as the Anchor Jaffna Kings.
Zaheer Khan joins Jaffna Kings in LPL as a co-owner.
The franchise has officially been rebranded as ‘Anchor Jaffna Kings’. pic.twitter.com/Uht24sjWXf
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 4, 2026
The move occurred because Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) ended the contract with the previous owners, Sports Commune. This termination followed the arrest of former co-owner Manjot Kalra on match-fixing charges. Now, Zaheer Khan joins Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam to lead the most successful team in LPL history.
New Ownership for Most Successful LPL Franchise
Anchor Sports AB is an emerging Swedish global sports group in the world of cricket. Adding a four-time champion to their team, they have acquired the Jaffna franchise. This acquisition marks a new beginning for the club that has set the benchmark for excellence in the league.
The team now has a new name and a new vision. Nagendra Siddoutam and Zaheer Khan will look to carry forward the winning legacy of the side. The Anchor Jaffna Kings are doing really well on the field at the moment. As the tournament moves towards the playoffs, the pair are sitting at the top two of the points table.
Why the Ownership Changed in the Lanka Premier League
The change of ownership was needed due to serious legal problems that were with the previous management. The Sri Lanka Sports Investigation Unit arrested Manjot Kalra, a former India Under-19 player and co-owner of the Kings. He was charged with offences relating to attempts to bribe a player and match fixing.
On July 23, Sri Lanka Cricket terminated the deal with Sports Commune over these allegations. Meanwhile, the other co-owner, Mayank Goel, could not be found. So, the league’s rights holders, Innovative Production Group (IPG), had to take temporary control of the team. This resulted in the search for new reliable owners like Anchor Sports AB.
Zaheer Khan Expresses Excitement for Sri Lankan Cricket
Zaheer Khan, the legendary Indian cricketer, has always had respect for the talent from Sri Lanka. He stated that he has good memories of playing in the country. He also said he admired the unique types of bowlers produced by Sri Lanka.
Zaheer Khan shares his excitement after joining Anchor Jaffna Kings as co-owner.#LPL2026 pic.twitter.com/fE5lByTyaS
— ThePapare (@ThePapareSports) August 4, 2026
In an official statement, Zaheer said, “It’s something that I’m really excited about, to now be part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner.” He is eager to start work with the players and staff of the Anchor Jaffna Kings. He aims to coach and share his vast international experience with the younger players.
What This Means For The Lanka Premier League
League officials believe Zaheer’s arrival is a big boost to the tournament. LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela said that Zaheer’s guidance would be very helpful to the young Sri Lankan players.
The playoff four are locked in!
Jaffna Kings finish the first round on top, with Galle Gallants, Colombo Kaps and Kandy Royals joining them in the #LPL2026 playoffs.
The race for the trophy now moves to Colombo! pic.twitter.com/TN3xSxKwHT
— LPL – Lanka Premier League (@LPLT20) August 2, 2026
The playoff four for the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2026 are locked in. Jaffna Kings finished the first round on top, with Colombo Kaps, Galle Gallants, and Kandy Royals joining them in the playoff matches.
Anil Mohan, the CEO of Innovative Production Group, expressed his confidence. He stated that Anchor Sports AB will bring a new energy and a new vision for the franchise. Their goal is to raise the overall quality of the league. Therefore, the involvement of global stars as owners attracts more global fans and sponsors to the LPL.
For more Lanka Premier League news, updates, and highlights, follow JeetWin Blog
The post Zaheer Khan Co-Owned Anchor Sports Acquires Jaffna Kings in LPL appeared first on JeetWin Blog.
