From India pacer to Jaffna owner: Zaheer Khan joins franchise

Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has officially stepped into Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise ownership after joining the Jaffna franchise as co-owner. The move comes following the team's acquisition by Stockholm-based sports group Anchor Sports AB, leading to the team's rebrand as Anchor Jaffna Kings. Team Rebranding: Previously known as the Jaffna Kings, the team will officially compete as the Anchor Jaffna Kings under its new ownership structure. New Ownership Structure: Stockholm-based global sports group Anchor Sports AB—headed by Nagendra Siddoutam—acquired the franchise alongside Zaheer Khan as part of their growing global sports portfolio. Mid-Season Ownership Shift: The takeover follows Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and IPG terminating the team's previous agreement with Sports Commune due to financial default and operational mismanagement. Expanding Footprint: This acquisition marks Zaheer's continued expansion into franchise ownership, having previously joined Anchor Sports-owned Antwerp Anchors in the EUT20 Belgium Cricket League earlier in the year. Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director, Lanka Premier League, said: "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."