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Antwerp Anchors have announced that former India fast bowler and World Cup winner Zaheer Khan has joined the franchise as a co-owner ahead of the inaugural EUT20 Belgium Cricket League. The franchise confirmed the development on Monday, adding that Zaheer will be introduced as Co-Owner and Partner in all official league communications, marketing material and media interactions related to the team.

 

The EUT20 Belgium Cricket League is scheduled to take place from June 4 to 14 in Brussels. The tournament is positioned as a new step in the expansion of organised franchise cricket in continental Europe. Zaheer’s entry into the Antwerp Anchors ownership group brings a prominent international cricket figure into the league’s structure as organisers attempt to build interest in the sport across emerging European markets.

 

As part of the arrangement, the former India pacer will contribute to the strategic and cricketing direction of the franchise rather than holding a purely symbolic role within the ownership structure.

 

Read also: Watch: BCCI shares glimpse of Zaheer Khan's training session with the CoE, Head of Cricket welcomes Khan warmly

 

Zaheer highlights opportunity to expand cricket’s reach across European markets

 

Speaking about the development, Zaheer emphasised the broader potential of the sport in Europe and the role franchise leagues could play in building opportunities for players in the region. After the co-owenership was formalized, Zaherr 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."

 

The EUT20 Belgium Cricket League will feature franchise teams representing different communities within Belgium’s multicultural sporting environment. Organisers have positioned the tournament as an attempt to bring recognised international players alongside emerging European talent.

 

Andre Russell named among headline players as franchise outlines early ambitions

 

Antwerp Anchors have also assembled a squad that includes internationally recognised T20 cricketers. West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has been named among the key players representing the franchise in the competition. Russell’s reputation as a powerful all-rounder in the T20 format has made him one of the prominent figures in global franchise leagues.

 

Nagendra Siddoutam, owner of Antwerp Anchors, said the franchise views Zaheer’s involvement as an important step in defining the team’s identity within the competition. Owner of Antwerp Anchors, Nagendra Siddoutam, said,

 

"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."