Zaheer Khan: The Newest Entrant
In a significant move announced in early August 2026, former Indian fast-bowling great Zaheer Khan became the co-owner of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) most successful franchise, the Jaffna Kings. The team, now rebranded as the Anchor Jaffna Kings, was
acquired by the Stockholm-based ownership group Anchor Sports. Zaheer joins as a co-owner, bringing his immense cricketing experience to a team that has already won four LPL titles. Expressing his excitement, Zaheer noted his admiration for Sri Lanka's bowling talent and his eagerness to contribute to the team's legacy from an ownership position. This venture adds to his growing portfolio in franchise cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar: A Global Sports Investor
The Master Blaster's business innings is as diverse as his cricketing shots. Sachin Tendulkar was a prominent co-owner of the Indian Super League (ISL) football team Kerala Blasters, showcasing an early interest in promoting sports other than cricket. More recently, in late 2024, Tendulkar took a significant step into the American sports market by joining the ownership group of the National Cricket League (NCL) in the United States. This move is aimed at boosting cricket's popularity in the US. Tendulkar has also invested in other ventures, including a sports simulation company and a travel agency, making him a true multi-faceted sports entrepreneur.
MS Dhoni: Captain Cool's Winning Portfolio
Much like his calm demeanour on the field, MS Dhoni's business investments are coolly calculated and widespread. His love for football, a sport he played in school, led him to become a co-owner of the ISL team Chennaiyin FC. True to his roots, he also co-owns the Ranchi Rays, a team in the Hockey India League. But his passion isn't limited to field sports. A well-known motorcycle enthusiast, Dhoni founded and co-owns the Mahi Racing Team India, which competes in the Supersport World Championship. These ventures, along with his own lifestyle and apparel brand 'Seven', showcase his diverse business acumen.
Virat Kohli: The Brand as a Businessman
Virat Kohli has seamlessly translated his on-field aggression and passion into his business ventures. He was one of the early cricketer-investors in the ISL, becoming a co-owner of FC Goa in 2014 at just 25 years old. His involvement brought significant visibility to the league in its nascent stages. Beyond football, Kohli's portfolio is extensive, including his own successful athleisure brand One8, a chain of restaurants, and investments in various tech startups. More recently, he became an owner of The Blue Rising team in the UIM E1 World Championship, the first all-electric raceboat series, joining global icons like Tom Brady and Rafael Nadal.
Sourav Ganguly: The Prince of Kolkata's Home Ground Advantage
For Sourav Ganguly, sports ownership was a natural extension of his deep connection to his home city, Kolkata. He was a co-owner and director of the ISL franchise Atlético de Kolkata (later merged to become ATK Mohun Bagan), a team representing the city he holds dear. His involvement was instrumental in the initial success and popularity of the franchise. Although he later stepped down from his role on the board to avoid a conflict of interest after the RPSG Group acquired an IPL team, his initial foray was a landmark move that underscored the trend of cricketers championing sport in their home regions.
