Zaheer Khan has acquired Lanka Premier League side Jaffna Kings through Anchor Sports AB, the Stockholm-based sports ownership group he co-owns with businessman Nagendra Siddoutam. The four-time LPL champions have been rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, with the ownership change confirmed on August 5 while the 2026 season was still underway.
The acquisition came less than two weeks after the franchise’s previous ownership was terminated following a match-fixing scandal and financial collapse.
Sports Commune, the entity led by former India Under-19 World Cup winner Manjot Kalra and entrepreneur Mayank Goel, had taken over Jaffna Kings only in May 2026. On July 16, hours before the LPL 2026 season opener, Kalra was arrested by the Sri Lanka Sports Investigation Unit. Authorities alleged he attempted to pay LKR 9.5 million to influence a player. At least two other players were also reportedly approached. Kalra remains in judicial custody. Goel’s whereabouts are unknown.
The financial fallout was immediate. Under Sports Commune’s commercial model, sponsors paid the owners directly, who were then responsible for distributing salaries. That pipeline collapsed after the arrest. On July 22, Jaffna players covered sponsor logos on their jerseys with black tape during their match against Colombo Kaps because sponsorship funds had not been disbursed.
On July 23, Sri Lanka Cricket and tournament rights holders Innovative Production Group terminated Sports Commune’s agreement and assumed emergency operational control, arranging funding to keep the team competing.
“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.”
Zaheer Khan, official statement, August 5, 2026
Who Owns Jaffna Kings Now
Anchor Sports AB is a Stockholm-based global sports ownership group jointly owned by Zaheer Khan and Nagendra Siddoutam. The Jaffna acquisition adds to a growing international portfolio that already includes the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League in Belgium and the Vancouver Anchors men’s and women’s teams in Canada’s Super60 League.
“This is a significant step for us. 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.”
Nagendra Siddoutam, Owner of Anchor Sports, official statement, August 5, 2026
IPG Founder and CEO Anil Mohan Sankhdhar welcomed the new owners, saying Jaffna has set “the benchmark for excellence” across six seasons.
The team has had four different ownership groups in six seasons. The inaugural edition was run by a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood. The Lyca Group owned the side from 2021 to 2025. Sports Commune’s tenure lasted barely two months. According to IPG, each change came after financial obligations were not fulfilled.
Jaffna has found its Anchor. ⚓👑
Zaheer Khan-co-owned Anchor Sports AB takes ownership of the Jaffna Kings, ushering in a new chapter for the franchise.#LPL2026 #AnchorJaffnaKings pic.twitter.com/dqDSZ4ZjvT
— LPL – Lanka Premier League (@LPLT20) August 5, 2026
Insider Read:
Zaheer Khan is not walking into franchise ownership blind. He spent four years at Mumbai Indians as director of cricket and head of global development between 2018 and 2022, overseeing operations across MI’s multi-team setup. He then joined Lucknow Super Giants as mentor for IPL 2025 before stepping down ahead of IPL 2026.
When Zaheer says he admires the “calibre, innovation and variety” of Sri Lankan bowling, that is not a polished line from a press release. That is a left-arm fast bowler who spent 15 years on the international circuit and knows exactly what Sri Lankan bowling produces. The country has always turned out bowlers who compensate for pace with angles, variations, and an understanding of conditions that bigger cricket nations often overlook. A franchise owner who recognizes that from lived experience will scout, develop, and retain bowling talent differently from someone reading scouting reports.
Every previous Jaffna ownership group treated the team as a business investment. The cricket was secondary. That is why the most successful side in LPL history, winners of four titles in five completed seasons, has never had stable ownership. The players kept winning despite the boardroom. With Zaheer, the franchise has someone in the ownership group who understands what makes a cricket team function from the inside, not just the balance sheet.
Despite the off-field chaos of 2026, Jaffna topped the league table with 11 points from eight matches and reached the final as table toppers. On August 8, Anchor Jaffna Kings faced Galle Gallants in the LPL 2026 Final at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Galle won by five wickets, restricting Jaffna to 123 before chasing it down in 15.5 overs, to claim their maiden title. For the new ownership, the rebuild starts immediately.
A new chapter begins with Zaheer Khan and Anchor Jaffna Kings. 👑💙
From backing Sri Lanka’s incredible cricketing talent to wishing the boys well ahead of the Final, Zaheer shares his excitement about the journey ahead with Anchor Sports. pic.twitter.com/y2YNaGIYOK
— LPL – Lanka Premier League (@LPLT20) August 8, 2026
Sources:
[Official statement, August 5, 2026] Anchor Sports AB / Innovative Production Group
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