Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta has broken her silence following a wave of online rumors targeting the franchise during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
The controversy comes at a turbulent time for the team, which recently suffered a string of four consecutive losses after a dominant seven-match unbeaten start. Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, May 12, Zinta issued a stern warning against the deliberate spread of “calculated misinformation” aimed at damaging the reputation of the players and the brand.
The outcry follows viral social media reports alleging “indiscipline” within the squad and unverified claims regarding the fitness of players like Prabhsimran Singh. Additionally, the team had to navigate recent chatter involving an alleged “vaping incident” linked to spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Zinta emphasized that while she welcomes healthy debate and sporting criticism, the creation of fake stories for “cheap engagement” crosses a line and will be met with serious consequences.
Edited Statements Spark Online Speculation
The franchise echoed Zinta’s sentiments with its own official statement, urging fans and media professionals to verify facts before amplifying unverified claims. However, the situation took a curious turn when fans noticed that PBKS quietly edited or removed portions of their original post shortly after it was published. The initial version reportedly took a much harsher tone toward certain digital platforms and sports journalists, and its sudden revision has only added fuel to the intense social media scrutiny surrounding the team’s internal dynamics.
Focus Shifts to Must-Win Mumbai Indians Clash
Despite the off-field distractions, Punjab Kings remain firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot, currently holding a position in the top half of the table. The management’s aggressive stance against “made-up narratives” appears to be an effort to shield the players as they enter the business end of the tournament. The team will look to regain its early-season momentum as they prepare to face the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Thursday, May 14.