New York-based SKYY group takes over LPL Colombo franchise

New York-based SKYY group takes over LPL Colombo franchise 
The Colombo Franchise of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) has been taken over by the New York-based SKYY group, and has been renamed the ‘Colombo Strikers’.

SKYY group, a leading company in a wide range of fields including hospitality, retail stores and real estate business owned by Sagar Khanna, took over the Colombo franchise from 2023 onwards.

In a release issued by the IPG Group, the official rights holder of the LPL, Anil Mohan, Chairman of the IPG Group welcomed the new owners of the Angelo Mathews –led Colombo franchise and said “We are thrilled to welcome the Skky group and Mr. Sagar Khanna to our family. This acquisition is a natural fit for us, as we are committed to excellence and a passion for delivering value to our fans in Sri Lanka and the world. We look forward to working with the team to build a winning franchise and create memorable fan experiences”. 

Meanwhile, owner of SKYY group, Khanna, who has a deep interest in cricket said “We are delighted to associate our name with one of the most iconic cities of South Asia, Colombo, which has rich cricketing history, legendary cricketers, and most passionate fans. The acquisition marks Skky’s entry into the South Asian cricket world and represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. In a short period, LPL has made rapid strides to emerge as one of the world’s most followed and reputed cricket leagues. We look forward to working with SLC and IPG to take Colombo Strikers and LPL to new heights”.

Khanna co-founded the famous New York-based cricket franchise, Skky Strikers, and his presence in LPL is the extension of his investment in the game in its most vibrant market, South Asia. So last year’s finalist Colombo team will now be renamed Colombo Strikers.

Samantha Dodanwela, LPL Tournament Director and Executive Committee Member of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also commented on the venture, saying “We wish to welcome Skky Group to the LPL family and consider the interest shown by the entity will augur well for the league, which is growing firmly and is aiming to be one of the best in the global T20 circle going forward. I am sure this partnership will definitely be a feather in the cap for Skky Group’s cricketing interests”.