The former India international cricketer, Zaheer Khan, has stepped into franchise ownership after joining Antwerp Anchors as a co-owner, ahead of the team’s debut in the inaugural EUT20 Belgium Cricket League, scheduled to be held in Brussels from June 4 to 14.
The move marks Khan’s first investment in a cricket franchise, extending his role in the sport beyond coaching and high-performance leadership into the business and development side of the game. A key figure in India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning campaign, Khan brings both cricketing pedigree and strategic experience to the Belgium-based outfit.
Speaking about his involvement with the franchise, Zaheer Khan said, “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.”
Nagendra Siddoutam, Owner of Antwerp Anchors, added, “Having Zaheer 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 and inspire the next generation of youth talent — a core pillar of Anchor. Add Andre Russell to that picture, and I believe every cricket fan in Europe will want to be watching us in Brussels this June.”
Antwerp Anchors have also strengthened their squad with the inclusion of Andre Russell, one of the most impactful T20 all-rounders in world cricket, adding global star power to the franchise ahead of the league’s opening season.
Representing the city of Antwerp, the franchise will compete in the newly established EUT20 Belgium Cricket League, a tournament designed to accelerate the growth of cricket across continental Europe. The league is expected to feature a mix of domestic and international players, while creating a structured platform for talent development in emerging markets.
Khan’s involvement is also expected to influence the franchise’s cricketing strategy, particularly in areas such as player development, talent identification, and team culture, drawing from his experience in leadership roles with Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants setup in the Indian Premier League.
The EUT20 Belgium Cricket League forms part of a broader effort to expand cricket’s footprint beyond traditional strongholds, leveraging Europe’s growing South Asian diaspora and rising interest in short-format formats.
Khan’s transition into franchise ownership reflects a wider shift within the sport, as former players increasingly take on investor and leadership roles in franchise ecosystems. As new leagues emerge across non-traditional markets, such investments are likely to play a key role in shaping cricket’s next phase of global growth.
