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Zaheer Khan and Anchor Sports Buy Jaffna Kings

The Stockholm group purchased and rebranded the troubled LPL franchise to stabilise its operations and promise player mentorship through a global club network.

Overview

  • Anchor Sports AB completed the acquisition of the Jaffna franchise and has rebranded the team as Anchor Jaffna Kings with former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan joining as co‑owner.
  • Sri Lanka Cricket and tournament rights holder IPG terminated the Sports Commune franchise agreement and took emergency operational control, clearing outstanding player wages on July 23 so the team could keep playing.
  • The sale follows the arrest of co‑owner Manjot Kalra on July 16 on alleged match‑fixing charges and the reported financial collapse of Sports Commune that led players to protest unpaid salaries.
  • Anchor Sports said it will fold Jaffna into its multi‑club network — which already includes the Antwerp Anchors and Vancouver Anchors — and that Zaheer Khan will act as both investor and on‑site mentor for young players.
  • Legal investigations and judicial proceedings related to the previous owners remain active and separate from the sale, and league officials say the new ownership aims to restore financial stability and public trust as Jaffna pursues a top finish this season.