Preity Zinta and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) have strongly rejected false narratives circulating on social media about the team and its players, as scrutiny over the franchise’s recent struggles intensifies. PBKS endured a sharp downturn following their latest defeats in IPL 2026, prompting the ownership and management to draw a firm line against misinformation.
The franchise and its star owner addressed the rumors without directly commenting on them, calling for an end to fabricated stories aimed at harming individuals and the team’s reputation. Punjab had an explosive start to the season, winning six of their first seven matches and remaining unbeaten in that stretch, including a record-breaking chase in IPL history. However, the last few weeks have seen them lose four consecutive games, slipping out of the top two. Off-field controversies, including Yuzvendra Chahal’s alleged vaping incident, added to the pressure. Meanwhile, discussions on social media have questioned Prabhsimran Singh’s fitness, citing reported weight gain, and criticized the overall attitude of the players.
In response, Zinta posted on X: “There’s a difference between criticism & calculated misinformation. Healthy debate around the game is welcome, but the deliberate spread of fake narratives to damage individuals, the team, or the brand should not & will not be taken lightly. I urge everyone including verified voices & media professionals to exercise responsibility before amplifying unverified information.” PBKS echoed this sentiment, stating: “Criticism, banter, and opinions are part of sport. Fake stories and made-up narratives for cheap engagement are not. We urge everyone to verify facts before spreading misinformation for attention or traction.”
Despite their recent slump, PBKS remain in playoff contention. Their next match is against MI on Thursday in Dharamshala.