From cricket moves to football’s biggest decisions, the sports world continues to make headlines. Zaheer Khan’s new role with Jaffna Kings (LPL), India’s latest arrival, and FIFA’s major developments take centre stage in today’s roundup.

LPL – 2026

               Zaheer Khan joins Jaffna franchise as co-owner      

The Jaffna franchise of Lanka Premier League (LPL) has been acquired by Anchor Sports AB, a Stockholm-based global sports ownership group. Zaheer Khan, a former India pacer, is a co-owner of the franchise.

Post the acquisition, the franchise, previously known 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 Zaheer, has taken over the franchise as part of the group’s continued expansion in global cricket.Anchor Sports’ already owns the Antwerp Anchors in the European T20 Premier League (Belgium) and the Vancouver Anchors men’s and women’s teams in Canada’s Super 60 League.

Jaffna are currently in the top 2 of the LPL points table.

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.”

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,” Zaheer said in a statement.

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.” – source:cricbuzz

India tour of Sri Lanka

               India Test squad arrives in Sri Lanka for World Test Championship Series      

The Indian Test cricket team arrived in Sri Lanka today (4) ahead of a two-match series against the hosts in the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship.

The team landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 3:50 p.m. on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 1144 from Mumbai.Officials from Sri Lanka Cricket were present at the airport to welcome the visiting team.India will face Sri Lanka in the upcoming two-Test series as both teams continue their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

FIFA Investment Plan

          Wenger Backs FIFA U-Turn     

Arsène Wenger has backed FIFA’s decision to scrap its controversial private investment plan, saying the move was “absolutely necessary” to protect the independence of world football’s governing body.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had proposed creating a commercial subsidiary to manage major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, allowing private investors to buy stakes in the venture.

The plan was withdrawn following strong opposition from UEFA and several FIFA member associations.

In a statement, Wenger said he was not involved in developing the proposal and only learned about it through media reports. He stressed that FIFA must operate with transparency, integrity and independence.

The proposal also led to the resignation of senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who described the plan as “a bad deal for football” that could have affected the sport’s future.