Punjab Kings and its co-owner Preity Zinta have issued a warning against the spread of fake news after the franchise became the target of viral social media rumors. On Tuesday night, the PBKS management and Zinta took to their official handles to release a statement, urging fans and media professionals to stop circulating “made-up narratives” aimed at damaging the team’s reputation.
What Rumours Forced Punjab Kings and Preity Zinta to React?
This comes right after a series of off-field distractions that gained traction after Punjab’s recent dip in form. Some of the rumors regarding PBKS included a circulated video allegedly showing star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal vaping on a team flight, as well as unverified claims regarding opener Prabhsimran Singh’s fitness and weight gain.
Punjab Kings Delete and Repost Their Statement
The Punjab Kings’ official statement initially targeted “sports journalists,” but they deleted the post and reposted it again, removing the “sports journalists” part, making it a more general plea for responsibility.
“Criticism, banter, and opinions are part of sport. Fake stories and made-up narratives for cheap engagement are not,” the franchise posted on X. “We urge everyone to verify facts before spreading misinformation for attention or traction.”
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.
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 12, 2026
Following the team’s post, Preity Zinta shared her own perspective: “There’s a difference between criticism and calculated misinformation,” she wrote. “Healthy debate around the game is welcome, but the deliberate spread of fake narratives to damage individuals, the team, or the brand should not and will not be taken lightly.”
“I urge everyone including verified voices & media professionals, to exercise responsibility before amplifying unverified information. Thank you.”
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… https://t.co/yeqbsTwLBd
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 12, 2026
How Did Fans React to Punjab Kings’ ‘Fake Narrative’ Post?
Fans did not seem to take these posts positively either, as the comment sections are filled with criticism. Many pointed out that Punjab Kings’ social media account has regularly trolled other franchises in the past for engagement, especially Royal Challengers Bengaluru over their infamous 49 all-out collapse in 2017. Fans pointed several older posts from the official Punjab Kings handle where the franchise openly mocked rival teams and players.
Cheap engagement mentioned😷 pic.twitter.com/glpuAuz6ct
— Manu (@yoitzmanu) May 12, 2026
“When you do it yourself, it’s fine. But now that it’s happening to you, you’re playing the victim card.
Btw cheap engagement mentioned 🤡🤡🤡
Lassi 🤡🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/B1dE2uGfCJ— 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐓 𝐌𝐀𝐍 🗿☠️ (@Bholisays18) May 12, 2026
The irony of the situation is that the rumors gained legs only after Punjab Kings’ invincible aura vanished. PBKS started the IPL 2026 season like a house on fire, remaining unbeaten in their first seven games. They looked destined for a top-two finish, but things changed drastically over the last two weeks.
The first crack appeared as the Kings failed to defend a modest 163/9 against Gujarat Titans, losing by 4 wickets on the final ball.
Batting struggles continued as they failed to chase down 235, losing by 33 runs despite a spirited late effort against SunRisers Hyderabad.
In their previous outing, the lowest point came in Dharamshala as, despite scoring 210/5, the Punjab Kings allowed Delhi to chase it down with 3 wickets in hand.
