Former India fast-bowling great Zaheer Khan has been named co-owner of the Lanka Premier League's (LPL) most decorated franchise after Stockholm-based global sports investment group Anchor Sports AB completed its acquisition of four-time champions Jaffna Kings. The franchise has been officially rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, signalling the start of a new ownership era in Sri Lankan franchise cricket.

The Acquisition and Ownership Structure

Zaheer joins Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner of the Colombo-based franchise. The deal marks a significant expansion of Anchor Sports' international cricket portfolio, which already includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League and the Vancouver Anchors men's and women's teams in Canada's Super 60 League.

Zaheer brings decades of elite international experience to the franchise, having represented India at the highest level as one of the country's most celebrated fast bowlers. His involvement adds a prominent cricketing identity to a franchise already recognised as the benchmark of LPL excellence.

What Zaheer Khan Said

Speaking on the acquisition, Zaheer 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.'

Jaffna Kings' Record and Current Form

Jaffna Kings have won four LPL titles in five completed seasons, making them the competition's most successful side. In the ongoing edition, the franchise sits in the top two of the points table with four wins from six matches, under the captaincy of Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

This is the third major ownership change or rebranding in the LPL since its inception, reflecting the league's growing appeal to international sports capital. Notably, the franchise's dominance on the field has made it a commercially attractive proposition for global investors.

What the New Owners and League Officials Said

Nagendra Siddoutam described the acquisition as 'a significant step,' adding: '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.'

Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director of the Lanka Premier League, welcomed the development, saying: '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.'

What This Means for the LPL

The arrival of Anchor Sports reinforces the LPL's ability to attract globally recognised cricket figures and international investment, strengthening its position as one of Asia's leading franchise T20 competitions. With the rebranded Anchor Jaffna Kings now backed by an internationally networked ownership group, the franchise is expected to deepen its community ties while expanding its global footprint. All eyes will be on whether the new ownership can sustain Jaffna's title-winning momentum through the remainder of this season and beyond.