What Zaheer Khan's New Cricket Team Ownership Really Means

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-08-05

When a cricket legend steps into the boardroom, people pay attention. That's exactly what happened on August 4, 2026, when former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan became the co-owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). The move came after Stockholm-based Anchor Sports AB acquired the team, and the franchise has now been officially rebranded as the Anchor Jaffna Kings. This isn't just a simple ownership change. It's a significant moment for Sri Lankan cricket, for the LPL, and for fans who have followed Zaheer's career from his days as one of India's most lethal bowlers to his current role as a mentor and investor. The story behind this transition is layered with legal drama, strategic vision, and a fresh chapter for a team that has dominated the league. ### A New Chapter for the LPL's Most Successful Franchise Let's start with the basics. The Jaffna Kings aren't just any team in the LPL. They're the most successful franchise in the league's history, having won the championship four times. That's a legacy that doesn't come easily, and it's one that the new ownership group is determined to protect and build upon. Anchor Sports AB is an emerging Swedish global sports group that's making waves in the cricket world. By acquiring the Jaffna franchise, they've added a proven winner to their portfolio. The acquisition marks a new beginning for the club, one that combines international investment with local passion. The team now has a new name and a new vision. Nagendra Siddoutam, the owner of Anchor Sports, will be joined by Zaheer Khan in leading the franchise. Together, they'll look to carry forward the winning legacy of the side. And they're off to a good start. As the tournament moves toward the playoffs, the Anchor Jaffna Kings are sitting at the top of the points table, with the pair leading the charge both on and off the field. ### Why the Ownership Changed in the Lanka Premier League You might be wondering why a successful franchise would change ownership in the first place. The answer involves serious legal problems that plagued 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 offenses related to attempts to bribe a player and match-fixing. It's a serious allegation that sent shockwaves through the cricket community. On July 23, Sri Lanka Cricket terminated the contract with the previous owners, Sports Commune, over these allegations. Meanwhile, the other co-owner, Mayank Goel, could not be found. This left the league's rights holders, Innovative Production Group (IPG), with no choice but to take temporary control of the team. That's when the search for new, reliable owners began. Enter Anchor Sports AB, a group with the resources and the reputation to step in and stabilize the franchise. It's a classic case of turning a crisis into an opportunity for renewal. ### Zaheer Khan's Excitement for Sri Lankan Cricket Zaheer Khan has always had a deep respect for the talent that comes out of Sri Lanka. In his playing days, he faced some of the best Sri Lankan batsmen in the world, and he's always admired the unique types of bowlers the country produces. "It's something that I'm really excited about, to now be part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner," Zaheer said in an official statement. He's eager to start working with the players and staff of the Anchor Jaffna Kings, and he aims to coach and share his vast international experience with the younger players. This is more than just a business move for Zaheer. It's a chance to give back to a cricketing nation that he respects deeply. His presence brings a level of credibility and expertise that money can't buy. ### What This Means for the Lanka Premier League League officials are optimistic about what Zaheer's arrival means for the tournament. LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela said that Zaheer's guidance would be very helpful to the young Sri Lankan players. It's a sentiment that's echoed by Anil Mohan, the CEO of Innovative Production Group, who expressed confidence that Anchor Sports AB will bring new energy and a new vision for the franchise. The goal is to raise the overall quality of the league, and the involvement of global stars like Zaheer Khan is a step in the right direction. The playoff four for the ongoing LPL 2026 are locked in, with Jaffna Kings finishing the first round on top. Colombo Kaps, Galle Gallants, and Kandy Royals will join them in the playoff matches. As the race for the trophy moves to Colombo, one thing is clear: the Anchor Jaffna Kings are not just a team with a new name. They're a team with a new purpose, and the entire league is watching to see what happens next.