Zaheer Khan Becomes Co-Owner of Lanka Premier League Giants, Replaces arrested former India U19 Player

Former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has entered the franchise ownership space after becoming the co-owner of the four-time Lanka Premier League (LPL) champions, Jaffna Kings.

The move follows Stockholm-based global sports ownership group Anchor Sports AB's acquisition of the franchise. Following the takeover, the team has been officially renamed Anchor Jaffna Kings, with Zaheer partnering Anchor Sports owner Nagendra Siddoutam as co-owner.

The ownership change comes at a time when the franchise is enjoying another impressive campaign, sitting at the top of the LPL standings with 11 points from eight matches.

Anil Mohan Sankhdhar, Founder and CEO of Innovative Production Group (IPG), the official rights holder of the Lanka Premier League, welcomed the new owners and expressed confidence in the franchise's future.

"We welcome Anchor Sports on board and to the LPL family as they take over the iconic Jaffna franchise. We are confident that Anchors Sports will build on this remarkable legacy, bringing fresh vision and energy to the franchise."

The takeover follows Sri Lanka Cricket's decision to terminate its franchise agreement with Sports Commune, the previous owners of Jaffna Kings. The development came after former India Under-19 cricketer Manjot Kalra, one of the franchise's co-owners, was arrested last week by the Sri Lanka Sports Investigation Unit over alleged match-fixing charges.

Speaking after joining the franchise, Zaheer said about his long-standing connection with Sri Lankan cricket and expressed his excitement about the new role.

"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," he said.

In the ongoing LPL season, Vijay Shankar has been participating as he is part of the Kandy Royals team.