Zaheer Khan joins new franchise as owner [Source: X]Zaheer Khan, the former India pacer and World Cup-winning bowler, has now joined a new venture but not as a player, mentor, or coach, but as an investor. Expanding his business interests, Khan has partnered with Antwerp Anchors, a franchise in the EUT20 Belgium Cricket League. One of the most popular left-arm pacers in the world, Zaheer Khan, an ex-IPL mentor for LSG, now brings his iconic stature to Anchors, further amplifying the league’s star presence and founding vision. Notably, the EUT20 Belgium cricket league will be held from June 4 to June 14 in Brussels, marking a historic milestone for cricket in continental Europe. Zaheer Khan Brings Immense Experience To Antwerp Anchors Khan is now the co-owner of Antwerp Anchors in a tournament that marks his involvement as a stakeholder and a key personality in handling official league communications, marketing materials, and media engagements. He will also play an active role in shaping the franchise’s cricketing vision in the league. For the unaware, the EUT20 Belgium is a new professional T20 cricket league that will have its inaugural season this year. It was founded through a partnership between the Belgian Cricket Federation and Destino Legends Sports LLC, an Indian-backed group, with the aim of promoting cricket in continental Europe. Also Read: Liam Livingstone Exposes Dark Side Of ECB And Brendon McCullum After Mysterious ExitThe EUT20 Belgium League To Have Exciting MatchupsThe tournament will feature a single round-robin league stage followed by a four-match playoff system, similar to the IPL and other league games around the world, including Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final. Interestingly, former England World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan will serve as the global brand ambassador of the league. Six franchises will represent major Belgian cities in the inaugural season: Antwerp Anchors, JB Bruges, Leige Red Lions, Royal Brussels, Ghent, and Leuven. A player draft is scheduled between February 1 and March 24 to finalise 18-member squads for each team. However, several international stars have already been signed as marquee players. For instance, Antwerp Anchors will feature Andre Russell, while Royal Brussels will include Shakib Al Hasan. JB Bruges will have Rassie van der Dussen, and Leige Red Lions will feature Shoaib Malik and Corey Anderson. Khan Opens Up On New Venture As An Investor While the league builds excitement, Zaheer Khan has also expressed enthusiasm about the venture. Speaking after being announced as co-owner, he shared his thoughts on both the league and the franchise. "Europe is a big canvas for cricket, and I genuinely believe we are only at the beginning of what is possible here. Being a co-owner of the Antwerp Anchors is not just a business proposition - it is a chance to be part of building something meaningful from the ground up. What excites me most is the opportunity to find new talent across this continent and give those players the environment, the belief, and the platform to perform to their fullest potential. That has always been close to my heart. I look forward to being in Brussels in June and getting started," said Zaheer Khan.Meanwhile, the owner of Antwerp, Nagendra Siddoutam, also stated that he felt relieved after Zaheer joined as co-owner, praising his stature as a master cricketer and a strong pillar of mentorship. "Having Khan as a co-owner is the clearest possible signal of what the Antwerp Anchors stand for. He is a legend of the game, a proven winner, and someone who knows how to build for the long term. His involvement is not only a huge statement for the franchise, but also a powerful opportunity to support the growth of the European cricketing community," said Nagendra Siddoutam. Zaheer Khan Entrusted For Glamorous Coaching CareerFor context, Khan’s coaching and mentorship journey began in 2017 when he became the bowling consultant for the India national cricket team, appointed alongside head coach Ravi Shastri. In 2018, he became the director of cricket operations for the Mumbai Indians, and later, in 2022, he was named the global head of cricket development, overseeing major aspects of the franchise. After a two-year stint in that role, Zaheer Khan moved to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as a mentor, where he handled scouting and strategy before taking up the role of BCCI Pace Development coach in March 2026. Also Read: Josh Hazlewood's RCB Availability In IPL 2026 Detailed
