Zaheer Khan joins Jaffna as Anchor Sports takes over LPL franchise

Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise Jaffna has been acquired by Anchor Sports AB, a Stockholm-based global sports ownership group.

Following the acquisition, the franchise, previously operating as Jaffna Kings, has officially been rebranded as ‘Anchor Jaffna Kings’, marking the beginning of a new chapter under its new ownership.

Nagendra Siddoutam, owner of Anchor Sports, alongside former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan as co-owner, has taken over the franchise as part of the group’s continued expansion in global cricket. 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 Super 60 League.

Jaffna have established themselves as one of the benchmark franchises in LPL, building a reputation for consistency and success over the years. With four championship titles to their name in just five completed seasons, they have set the standard for excellence in the competition.

Their impressive form has continued this season, as they remain among the top two teams on the points table with four wins from six matches, earning eight points. Under the leadership of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, franchise have once again emerged as one of the strongest contenders for the LPL title.

Anchor Sports expressed its pride in becoming part of the LPL and said it looks forward to working closely with Sri Lanka Cricket, Innovative Production Group, players, partners, and fans to build on the success of the Jaffna franchise.

Welcoming Anchor Sports, Anil Mohan, Chairman and CEO of Innovative Production Group, the tournament rights holder, said: “We welcome Anchor Sports on board and to the LPL family as they take over the iconic Jaffna franchise. Jaffna has been a legendary team in the six-year history of the league, winning four championship titles and setting the benchmark for excellence. We are confident that Anchors Sports will build on this remarkable legacy, bring fresh vision and energy to the franchise and continue to elevate the standard of the Lanka Premier League. We look forward to an exciting new chapter for Jaffna and wish the new ownership every success.”

Nagendra Siddoutam, owner of Anchor Sports, added: “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. We’re looking forward to investing in the Jaffna Anchors and contributing to the league’s continued growth.”

Zaheer Khan, co-owner at Anchor Sports, 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 Jaffna Anchors.”

Samantha Dodanwela, Tournament Director, Lanka Premier League, said: “Having an owner of Zaheer Khan’s calibre involved with the Jaffna Anchor 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.”