Zaheer Khan becomes co-owner of the Jaffna franchise in the Lanka Premier League

The Lanka Premier League’s (LPL) Jaffna franchise has been acquired by Stockholm-based sports ownership ground Anchor Sports AB with the deal seeing former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner Zaheer Khan becoming the co-owner of the franchise. The franchise was previously known as the Jaffna Kings but will now be renamed as Anchor Jaffna Kings.

The Jaffna Kings are the most successful team in the Lanka Premier League, having won the championship four times and are the current defending champions. The Lanka Premier League 2026 season is currently ongoing, having gotten underway on July 17, 2026 and will go on until August 8, 2026. Jaffna Kings currently sit on top of the points table and have qualified for the final, where they will play either Colombo Kaps and Galle Gallants. 

Zaheer Khan, commented,

“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.”

Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director, Lanka Premier League, commented,

“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.”

Anil Mohan, Chairman and CEO of Innovative Production Group, 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 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.”

Nagendra Siddoutam, Co-founder, Anchor Sports AB, added,

“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 Anchor Jaffna Kings 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 Anchor Jaffna Kings and contributing to the league’s continued growth.”