In a significant development in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), former India international Zaheer Khan has acquired the Jaffna Kings franchise, which will now compete under the name Anchor Jaffna Kings. This acquisition was made through Anchor Sports AB, a Stockholm-based sports investment group co-owned by Khan and businessman Nagendra Siddoutam.
The timing of this acquisition is notable, coming less than two weeks after the previous ownership of the franchise was terminated. Sports Commune, which was co-owned by Manjot Kalra, a former India Under-19 World Cup winner, and entrepreneur Mayank Goel, had taken control of the Jaffna Kings only in May 2023. However, they lost ownership on July 23, following a series of controversies.
Kalra was arrested on July 16, facing serious allegations of attempting to bribe a player in the LPL. Reports indicate that he allegedly offered LKR 9.5 million to influence a match, leading to his current judicial custody. Meanwhile, Goel's whereabouts remain uncertain. After the termination of Sports Commune's ownership, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the tournament's rights holders, Innovative Production Group (IPG), stepped in to take temporary control of the franchise. They also arranged emergency funding to ensure the team could continue competing in the ongoing tournament.
This acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Anchor Sports AB, which is already involved in international sports through its ownership of the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League and the Vancouver Anchors teams in Canada's Super60 competition. The growing portfolio reflects a trend of investment in cricket franchises worldwide.
Prior to the brief tenure of Sports Commune, the Jaffna Kings were owned by the Lyca Group from 2021 to 2025. The franchise was initially operated by a consortium led by Arnold Anandan and Rahul Sood during the inaugural edition of the LPL. IPG has noted that each change in ownership was prompted by previous owners failing to meet financial obligations.
Despite the off-field turmoil, the Jaffna Kings have maintained their competitive edge in the LPL. The franchise, which has won the championship four times, finished at the top of the points table during the 2026 league stage, securing a place in the playoffs. This achievement solidifies their status as the most successful team in LPL history, having clinched four of the five completed editions of the tournament.
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