Zaheer Khan becomes co-owner of Jaffna franchise in Lanka Premier League

Former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has ventured into franchise ownership, joining the Jaffna team in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as co-owner. The development, reported by Cricbuzz, marks a new chapter in the cricketer-turned-mentor's post-retirement career.

New role for the veteran

Zaheer, who last played for India in 2014, has stayed connected to the game through coaching stints with Mumbai Indians and various mentoring roles. Now, he adds ownership to his portfolio, though financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

The Jaffna franchise, one of five teams in the LPL, has been a competitive unit in recent seasons. With Zaheer's involvement, the franchise is expected to benefit from his tactical acumen and experience in high-pressure tournaments.

Growing trend of player-owners

Zaheer is not the first Indian cricketer to step into franchise ownership. The trend has been visible in leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and overseas T20 competitions, where former players leverage their brand and knowledge.

In the LPL, the move signals a growing interest from Indian cricket personalities in Sri Lanka's domestic T20 circuit. The league, which has seen fluctuating participation from international stars, may gain added attention with Zaheer's presence.

What this means for Jaffna

Jaffna's management has not yet issued an official statement regarding the exact role Zaheer will play. However, sources suggest he will be involved in strategic decisions, including player recruitment and team development.

For a franchise that has often punched above its weight, Zaheer's input could prove valuable in identifying young talent and building a balanced squad. His work with fast bowlers, in particular, could aid the team's pace attack.

• Zaheer took 311 wickets in 92 Tests for India
• He was a key member of India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad
• He previously served as bowling coach for Mumbai Indians

LPL's evolving landscape

The Lanka Premier League has been trying to establish itself among the secondary T20 leagues. The involvement of former internationals like Zaheer adds credibility and could attract more marquee names in future auctions.

With the next season expected to begin later this year, Jaffna will hope to build momentum under its new ownership structure. The franchise's fan base has already begun reacting positively to the news on social media.

Zaheer's move comes at a time when several retired Indian cricketers are exploring opportunities beyond commentary and coaching. Whether this leads to more such investments remains to be seen.

As the LPL prepares for its next edition, all eyes will be on how Zaheer's involvement translates into on-field results. The franchise is likely to announce further details of his role in the coming weeks.