A Stockholm-based sports ownership group co-owned by former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has acquired Lanka Premier League franchise Jaffna Kings.
The acquisition by Anchor Sports AB sees the franchise rebranded as Anchor Jaffna Kings, ending a period during which the team was under the emergency operational control of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the LPL rights holders, Innovation Production Group (IPG).
Anchor Sports AB is co-owned by Zaheer Khan and businessman Nagendra Siddoutam and already owns franchises in the European T20 Premier League in Belgium and Canada’s Super60 League.
The ownership change comes less than two weeks after the previous owners, Sports Commune, were removed. The franchise had been placed under SLC and IPG control after Sports Commune co-owner Manjot Kalra was arrested in connection with alleged match-fixing, while co-owner Mayank Goel’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Despite the off-field issues, Jaffna Kings topped the LPL league stage this season and remain the most successful franchise in the tournament’s history, having won four of the five completed editions.
Zaheer Khan said he was “genuinely thrilled” to become part of Sri Lankan cricket as an owner, adding that he has always admired the country’s bowling talent and looks forward to working with the Anchor Jaffna Kings.
LPL Tournament Director Samantha Dodanwela welcomed the move, saying Zaheer’s involvement would be a major boost for the league and provide valuable mentorship for young Sri Lankan cricketers. (Newswire)