Zaheer Khan becomes co-owner of Lanka Premier League side Jaffna Kings
Colombo, Aug 4
Former India fast-bowling great Zaheer Khan has become co-owner of the Lanka Premier League's most successful franchise after Stockholm-based global sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB completed the acquisition of the four-time champions Jaffna Kings.
Following the acquisition, the franchise has officially been rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, marking the beginning of a new chapter under its new ownership. Zaheer joins Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner as the group continues to expand its presence in global franchise cricket.
The acquisition adds another prominent cricketing name to the Lanka Premier League, with Zaheer bringing decades of international experience to a franchise that has set the benchmark in the competition.
Jaffna have won four LPL titles in five completed seasons and are once again among the frontrunners this year, sitting in the top two of the points table with four wins from six matches under the captaincy of Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
Zaheer Khan, Co-owner of Jaffna Kings, 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."
The acquisition further expands Anchor Sports' international portfolio, which includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League and the Vancouver Anchors men's and women's teams competing in Canada's Super 60 League.
Nagendra Siddoutam, Owner of Anchor Sports, 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."
Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, said: "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."
The arrival of the new owners marks another important milestone in the Lanka Premier League's growth, reinforcing its ability to attract globally recognised cricket personalities and international sports investors while continuing to strengthen its position as one of Asia's leading franchise T20 competitions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's nice to see Indian cricketers going beyond playing and getting into franchise ownership. Zaheer was always the thinking bowler of our generation - he'll bring so much value to Jaffna. But I do wonder, with so many T20 leagues popping up everywhere, are we diluting the sport? Just a thought.
Zak was my childhood hero! The way he set up batsmen with that in-swinging delivery was pure class. Now he's owning a team that has won 4 titles in 5 seasons - that's a winning culture right there. Happy for him and excited to see what he does with the Jaffna Kings. 🏏
Interesting that they rebranded to "Anchor Jaffna Kings." Part of me feels sad they removed the Jaffna identity a bit with this global Anchor network approach. But honestly, if it brings more investment and better opportunities for Sri Lankan players, it's a positive step. Also, Zaheer's comments about Sri Lankan bowling talent are so genuine - he's always respected our neighbors' cricket.
Cricket is slowly becoming like football with all these franchise leagues. Zaheer is a smart businessman, no doubt. But I hope he doesn't spread himself too thin - he has Mumbai Indians duties too, right? Anyway, best of luck to him and the Jaffna Kings. The LPL is definitely growing well.
This is going to be great for Sri Lankan cricket. Zaheer's experience mentoring young Indian bowlers is well documented. Imagine what he can do for Sri Lankan pace prospects! The Lanka Premier League just got a huge credibility boost with
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.