Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta has strongly reacted to the wave of rumours and on-line hypothesis surrounding the franchise through the ongoing IPL 2026 season. With Punjab enduring a troublesome section after a dream begin to the marketing campaign, each Zinta and the franchise launched statements asking followers, media retailers, and social media customers to keep away from spreading misinformation in regards to the crew and its gamers.
Punjab Kings have been among the many standout sides within the first half of IPL 2026. The franchise gained six of their opening seven matches and seemed like real title contenders early within the match. Their sturdy run additionally included a record-breaking chase, as they surpassed their very own milestone for the very best profitable run chase in IPL historical past.
Nonetheless, the momentum has pale dramatically in latest weeks. PBKS have now suffered 4 consecutive defeats, slipping out of the highest two within the factors desk and elevating considerations about their playoff possibilities. Alongside the disappointing outcomes, the crew has additionally discovered itself on the centre of a number of controversies and rumours on social media.
The franchise has not too long ago been surrounded by discussions associated to alleged off-field points. Stories and on-line chatter concerning an alleged vaping incident involving Yuzvendra Chahal, together with feedback about Prabhsimran Singh’s health and supposed weight acquire, have gained consideration throughout a number of platforms.
On the identical time, sure posts additionally questioned the perspective and self-discipline inside the squad. Whereas neither the franchise nor the gamers straight addressed the person claims, the rising noise on-line seems to have prompted Punjab Kings and Zinta to reply publicly.
Taking to X, Zinta made it clear that criticism associated to cricket performances is appropriate, however focused makes an attempt to unfold faux tales wouldn’t be tolerated. She additionally urged verified accounts and media professionals to behave responsibly earlier than amplifying unconfirmed studies or rumours.
“There’s a distinction between criticism & calculated misinformation. Wholesome debate across the recreation is welcome, however the deliberate unfold of faux narratives to wreck people, the crew, or the model mustn’t & won’t be taken calmly,” Zinta wrote in her assertion.
There’s a distinction between criticism & calculated misinformation. Wholesome debate across the recreation is welcome, however the deliberate unfold of faux narratives to wreck people, the crew, or the model mustn’t & won’t be taken calmly. I urge everybody together with verified… https://t.co/yeqbsTwLBd
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 12, 2026
Additionally READ: Here’s how PBKS can qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs after losing to DC in Dharamshala
Punjab Kings again proprietor’s message
Punjab Kings echoed an identical sentiment in their very own assertion on social media. The franchise acknowledged that criticism and banter are a part of skilled sport however pressured that fabricated tales created purely for on-line engagement cross the road.
“Criticism, banter, and opinions are a part of sport. Faux tales and made-up narratives for reasonable engagement are usually not. We urge everybody to confirm information earlier than spreading misinformation for consideration or traction,” the franchise posted.
Criticism, banter, and opinions are a part of sport. Faux tales and made-up narratives for reasonable engagement are usually not. We urge everybody to confirm information earlier than spreading misinformation for consideration or traction.
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 12, 2026
The statements come at an vital stage of the match, with Punjab making an attempt to regain management of their season after a sudden dip in kind. Regardless of the four-match dropping streak, PBKS are nonetheless firmly within the playoff race and have sufficient matches left to revive their marketing campaign.
Essential conflict in opposition to Mumbai Indians awaits
Punjab Kings will now flip their consideration again to cricket as they put together for an important conflict in opposition to Mumbai Indians on Might 14 in Dharamshala. With the playoff race tightening, the upcoming fixture might play a significant function in shaping Punjab’s season. The franchise will hope that the main focus shifts again to on-field performances as they give the impression of being to recuperate from their latest hunch and rediscover the shape that made them one of the vital harmful groups earlier in IPL 2026.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026: Mohammad Kaif slams Shreyas Iyer’s tactics of not using Yuzvendra Chahal following PBKS’ loss to DC
