Lanka Premier League: Zaheer Khan joins Jaffna franchise as co-owner
Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has expanded his footprint in franchise cricket after joining the Jaffna franchise of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as a co-owner following its acquisition by Stockholm-based global sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB.
The franchise, previously known as Jaffna Kings, has officially been rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, ushering in a new era under its new ownership. Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam, along with Zaheer Khan, has taken over the franchise as part of the group’s growing investment in global cricket.
Anchor Sports already owns the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League in Belgium and the Vancouver Anchors men’s and women’s teams in Canada’s Super 60 League. The acquisition of the Jaffna franchise marks its latest expansion into franchise cricket.
The ownership change comes at a positive time for the team, with Anchor Jaffna Kings currently placed in the top two of the ongoing LPL points table. Jaffna have been the most successful side in the tournament’s six-year history, winning four championship titles.
Welcoming the new owners, Anil Mohan, Chairman and CEO of Innovative Production Group, the tournament rights holder, said the franchise had set the benchmark for excellence in the league.
“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,” Mohan said.
Zaheer said his association with Sri Lankan cricket made the investment particularly meaningful.
“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,” Zaheer said.
LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela welcomed the former India pacer’s involvement, saying his experience would be invaluable for the development of local players.
“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,” Dodanwela said.
– Ends
