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Jaffna
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has expanded his footprint in global cricket by becoming part of the ownership group that has acquired the Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings through Anchor Sports AB. The acquisition comes shortly after the franchise underwent significant turmoil following the termination of its previous ownership agreement by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and tournament rights holder Innovative Production Group (IPG).
The Jaffna-based franchise, one of the most successful teams in LPL history with multiple championship titles, had recently been placed under the direct operational control of SLC and IPG after the earlier ownership group failed to meet contractual and financial obligations. The move ensured the team continued its campaign without disruption while a new ownership structure was finalised.
Anchor Sports AB’s acquisition marks a fresh chapter for the franchise. Zaheer Khan’s association is expected to bring cricketing expertise and strategic direction to the team as it looks to strengthen both its on-field performance and commercial growth. The former Indian fast bowler has increasingly diversified into sports management and franchise ownership, reflecting a broader trend of former cricketers investing in league-based sporting ventures.
The ownership change also restores long-term stability to the franchise after weeks of uncertainty triggered by investigations involving members of the previous ownership group. SLC has consistently maintained that safeguarding the integrity of the tournament remained its highest priority and worked alongside IPG to ensure uninterrupted participation by the team during the transition.
With new leadership now in place, Jaffna Kings are expected to focus on rebuilding confidence among players, partners and supporters while reinforcing their position as one of the premier franchises in Sri Lanka’s flagship T20 competition.