Legendary Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has boosted his ownership stake in cricket after Anchor Sports AB, the Stockholm-based sports holding company he co-owns with billionaire Nagendra Siddoutam, acquired the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings.
Following the acquisition, the team will become Anchor Jaffna Kings. Thanks to the acquisition, the squad is now a part of Anchor Sports AB’s growing global multi-club sports network.
The development comes after a turbulent time for the franchise. On July 23, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group assumed emergency regulatory control of Jaffna Kings following the end of the previous ownership.
Sports Commune, which was co-owned by businessman Mayank Goel and former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra, lost control of the team less than two weeks ago.
Goel’s current location is unknown, and Kalra remains in judicial jail after being arrested on July 16 on accusations of match-fixing. In May 2026, Sports Commune purchased the team from the Lyca Group, which owned it from 2021 to 2025. During the inaugural LPL season in 2020, a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood controlled the squad.
Despite the unpredictability off the field, Jaffna Kings have continued to dominate on it. They are still the most successful team in LPL history, having won four of the five completed tournaments. By being first in the league standings this season, the squad earned a postseason berth.
“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,” Zaheer said, expressing his happiness over the purchase and his wish to take on a new role in Sri Lankan cricket. Zaheer was reported by Cricinfo as saying, “I’m genuinely thrilled to be a part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner, and I can’t wait to get started with the Anchor Jaffna Kings.”
LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela applauded the development, believing Zaheer’s involvement will greatly enhance the tournament.
“The Anchor Jaffna Kings will benefit greatly from having an owner of Zaheer Khan’s caliber. Our young Sri Lankan players will benefit greatly from his guidance and mentoring, and we can’t wait to see that experience transferred both on and off the field.”
