As the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2026 heads into its crucial playoff stage, the tournament’s most successful franchise has entered a new chapter off the field. Jaffna Kings have officially undergone a change in ownership after weeks of uncertainty, with a new sports investment group taking charge of the franchise. The move comes at a significant moment for the four-time champions, who have once again qualified for the playoffs despite navigating considerable administrative challenges during the ongoing season.
2011 World Cup winner becomes co-owner of Jaffna Kings
Stockholm-based sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB has completed the acquisition of the Jaffna Kings franchise. The company is jointly owned by former India fast bowler and 2011 World Cup winner Zaheer Khan along with businessman Nagendra Siddoutam. Following the takeover, the franchise will now operate under the new identity of Anchor Jaffna Kings.
The acquisition marks the end of a turbulent phase for the franchise. Since July 23, Jaffna had been operating under emergency regulatory control by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and LPL rights holders Innovation Production Group (IPG) after the previous ownership was terminated.
The ownership transition follows the exit of Sports Commune, which had taken over the franchise only in May this year. The company, co-owned by former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra and entrepreneur Mayank Goel, saw its agreement terminated after Kalra was arrested on alleged match-fixing charges on July 16. Goel’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Before Sports Commune, the franchise was owned by the Lyca Group between 2021 and 2025, while a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood controlled the team during the inaugural LPL season. According to league officials, previous ownership groups struggled to fulfil financial commitments. Following the latest disruption, SLC and IPG stepped in with emergency funding to ensure the franchise continued participating in the ongoing tournament without interruption.
The latest acquisition also adds Jaffna Kings to Anchor Sports AB’s growing international multi-club sports network, with the company aiming to provide long-term operational stability.
Bowling legend reacts after becoming the owner of LPL team
Expressing his excitement over the acquisition, Zaheer said becoming part of Sri Lankan cricket as a franchise owner was a special moment in his career.
“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,” said Zaheer in a official statement.
While ownership issues dominated headlines away from the field, Jaffna Kings have continued to justify their reputation as the most successful team in LPL history. The franchise has won four of the five completed editions of the competition and once again finished at the top of the league standings in the 2026 season to secure a place in the playoffs.
