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Jaffna Kings ownership terminated [Source: X]
The Innovative Production Group (IPG) has officially terminated the ownership agreement of the Jaffna Kings franchise. The group, which also happens to be the rights holder for the LPL and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), confirmed the same in the middle of the LPL 2026 season in the country.
Following the decision, the Sports Commune, co-owned by controversial Indian cricketer Manjot Kalra, is no longer the owner of the Jaffna Kings franchise.
Sports Commune's Jaffna Kings ownership terminated
On Thursday, July 23, the IPG officially terminated their franchise agreement with Sports Commune, thus stripping them of the ownership of the Jaffna Kings franchise.
It is worth noting that Sports Commune was named as owners of the Jaffna Kings just a couple of months ago, prior to the launch of the LPL 2026 season in Sri Lanka.
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The group also confirmed that all rights related to the Jaffna Kings franchise have been reverted to the IPG. Both IPG, as well as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), have now assumed full operational control of the team for the remainder of the LPL 2026 season.
Despite the ownership change, the Jaffna Kings franchise will continue to play the LPL 2026 season as scheduled, with the same group of players and no changes in the squad.
Why did Sri Lanka terminate Jaffna Kings ownership?
The IPG stripped Sports Commune's ownership of Jaffna Kings following a collapse of their financial structure.
The IPG wrote in a statement, “The termination follows the franchisee's inability to fulfil its financial obligations under the terms of the franchise agreement.”
As per reports, the Sports Commune has failed to disperse sponsorship funds, and players will now cover the sponsor logos on their jerseys with black tape.
To make matters worse for the now-disbanded Jaffna Kings owners, Sports Commune co-owner and former India U19 cricketer Manjot Kalra was recently arrested by the Special Investigation Unit of Sri Lanka Police in Sri Lanka.
Manjot Kalra was arrested over alleged match-fixing offences in the LPL and has been remanded till July 31 later this month. In his defence, Manjot Kalra denied the allegations, claiming his non-involvement in the scandalous act that rocked Sri Lankan cricket.
Addressing the drastic decision, IPG CEO Anil Mohan said that their primary goal is to protect the integrity of the league.
He said, “While this was a difficult decision, our priority has always been to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League and ensure complete stability for our players, coaches, partners, and fans.”
Jaffna Kings start off title-defence on a topsy-turvy note
Jaffna Kings, led by explosive top-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, entered the LPL 2026 season as defending champions for lifting the title a couple of years ago.
Amidst the off-field turmoil, the franchise started off its title defence with a demoralising 36-run defeat at the hands of Galle Gallants.
The franchise fought back and secured fighting last-over wins against Dambulla Sixers and Colombo Kaps in successive games to get to four points in three matches.
The team is currently facing the Gallants in their fourth match, which happens to be match number 10 of the LPL 2026 season in Dambulla.
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