Zaheer Khan joins LPL ownership as Anchor Sports acquires Jaffna Kings

Zaheer Khan in MI Jersey
Zaheer Khan in MI Jersey (PC: X)

Anchor Sports AB, a Stockholm-based sports ownership group co-owned by former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan and businessman Nagendra Siddoutam, has recently acquired Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna Kings. The team will now be rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings.

The move restores stability and ensures security after the franchise had been under the emergency regulatory control of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group (IPG) since July 23, following the termination of its previous ownership.

As stated in an IPG media release, “The acquisition further strengthens Anchor Sports’ growing international portfolio, which already includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League (Belgium) and the Vancouver Anchors men’s and women’s teams competing in Canada’s Super60 league.”

The previous owners of Jaffna, Sports Commune — co-owned by Manjot Kalra (former India Under-19 cricketer) and Mayank Goel — were removed amid financial and legal issues. Kalra was arrested on July 16 and is currently in custody on charges of match-fixing. On the other hand, Goel’s whereabouts are unknown. This forced SLC and IPG to step in with emergency funding to ensure the continuity of the team in the ongoing season.

Despite the multiple off-field issues, Jaffna have remained one of the most consistent teams in LPL history. They have secured four of the five completed championship titles and, this season as well, they are comfortably placed at the top of the league table.

Zaheer Khan 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,” as mentioned in the press release. 

LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela said: “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.”

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The post Zaheer Khan joins LPL ownership as Anchor Sports acquires Jaffna Kings appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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