Optimum Health Care acquires 50% stake in Kandy Royals ahead of LPL Season 6

Kandy Royals confirmed that Optimum Health Care (Pvt) Ltd, a healthcare-focused investment company with interests in leading healthcare businesses in Sri Lanka, India and across the region, has acquired a 50% ownership stake in the franchise ahead of the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League.

Optimum Health Care will join existing owner Sandhya Ajjarapu, a U.S.-based investor and entrepreneur with interests across healthcare, biotech, biofuels, information technology, pharmaceuticals, sports and media, in leading the next phase of the Kandy Royals franchise.

The partnership brings together two ownership groups with complementary interests in healthcare, investment, sport and community development.

It is expected to support the long-term growth of Kandy Royals as a competitive cricket franchise, commercially sustainable sporting property and platform for engaging fans across Kandy and the Central Province.

With strong connections to Kandy and Pallekele, Optimum Health Care views the investment as an opportunity to associate with one of Sri Lanka’s most followed sports and engage with a passionate cricketing community.

Welcoming the new co-owner, Lanka Premier League Director, Samantha Dodanwela said,

“Sri Lanka Cricket welcomes Optimum Health Care to the Kandy Royals ownership group.

Strong and committed franchise ownership is important to the continued development of the Lanka Premier League, and this investment reflects growing confidence in the tournament’s sporting and commercial potential.

We look forward to seeing the new partnership contribute positively to Kandy Royals and the wider LPL ecosystem.”

IPG Founder and Chairman, Anil Mohan said,

“We are pleased to welcome Optimum Health Care as a co-owner of Kandy Royals.

The addition of an investor with regional business experience, a strong connection to Kandy and a clear interest in community wellbeing adds further value to the franchise.

This partnership provides Kandy Royals with a stronger platform to grow its sporting, commercial and fan engagement ambitions.”

Welcoming Optimum Health Care to the franchise, Kandy Royals co-owner Sandhya Ajjarapu said,

“I am delighted to welcome Optimum Health Care as our new partner in Kandy Royals.

We share a long-term commitment to building a professionally managed and competitive franchise that represents Kandy with pride.

Their regional experience, healthcare focus and connection to the community will be valuable as we work together to strengthen the franchise and contribute to the continued growth of the Lanka Premier League.”

Optimum Health Care Director, V. Nadarajah said,

“Kandy and Pallekele have a special place in our journey, and this partnership with Kandy Royals is therefore very meaningful to us.

Cricket brings people together across Sri Lanka, and through this franchise, we see a proud opportunity to support the sporting spirit of Kandy and the Central Province.

We are pleased to be part of a team that carries such a strong regional identity, loyal fan base and exciting future.”

Optimum Health Care Director, Akshat Shah said,

“We are excited to partner with Kandy Royals and become part of the Lanka Premier League.

The LPL has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most visible sporting platforms, attracting strong television audiences, digital engagement, stadium attendance and media coverage.

As a healthcare investment company, we also believe strongly in promoting sport as a pathway to health, wellbeing and positive community engagement.”

Under the expanded ownership structure, Kandy Royals will continue to focus on building a competitive team, deepening its connection with supporters and creating long-term value for players, partners and the wider cricketing community.