IPL 2026: Preity Zinta slams 'calculated misinformation' surrounding Chahal and Prabhsimran as PBKS issue statement
· Yahoo Sports
IPL 2026: Preity Zinta slams 'calculated misinformation' surrounding Chahal and Prabhsimran as PBKS issue statement originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Co-owner Preity Zinta condemned fake narratives targeting players and the franchise.
- PBKS issued and later edited a statement warning against misinformation on social media.
- Four back-to-back losses have disrupted Punjab's strong start of six wins in seven games.
Punjab Kings & Preity Zinta fight back against 'calculated misinformation'
Punjab Kings & Preity Zinta put out stern statements on social media defending their players after the franchise came under the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Visit mwafrika.life for more information.
The Kings went unbeaten through their first seven outings, winning six and seeing one washed out by rain. But sport has a way of humbling even the most confident sides, and the last few weeks have been rough for the franchise.
Four defeats in a row have dented their momentum, and what once seemed like a cakewalk to the playoffs now demands urgent wins.
However, while the results have been disappointing, the noise away from the ground has further complicated matters for the team.
Spin bowler Yuzvendra Chahal found himself in the headlines after a video circulated on social media appearing to show him vaping aboard a flight. Just a few days later, opener Prabhsimran Singh became the subject of online chatter over his physical condition, with a report questioning his fitness and discipline.
What did Punjab Kings and Preity Zinta say?
Amid the swirl of rumours, PBKS took to social media on Tuesday night to fight back against the narrative.
They wrote: "Criticism, banter, and opinions are part of sport. Fake stories and made-up narratives for cheap engagement are not. We urge everyone, especially “sports journalists", to verify facts before spreading misinformation for attention or traction."
MORE: PBKS IPL 2026 playoff chances: Qualification scenarios, wins and points required
However, they deleted this tweet and reposted, "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."
Zinta responded to the PBKS' original statement before it was taken down, making her position clear. She acknowledged that spirited debate around cricket is healthy and welcome, but said deliberate attempts to damage reputations cross a line.
"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," she wrote.
"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
Can PBKS qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs?
Amid all the controversy, Punjab's playoff hopes remain alive. They sit fourth on the points table with 13 points, and two more wins would book their spot in the knockouts.
The upcoming matches against Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Lucknow Super Giants will decide their fate.
MORE: ‘Very sensitive to criticism’: Sanjay Manjrekar on Virat Kohli
The Cricket News Opinion: Noise is part of the game, but so is accountability
Franchises speaking out against misinformation is fair as players are human beings, not just cricketers, and baseless stories can cause real damage.
But the choice to first call out "sports journalists" and then quietly edit that out raises questions about conviction. If you believe something strongly enough to say it, own it.
MORE: Explained: Why Chahal was left unused by Iyer in PBKS vs DC
On the other side, the digital age has made rumour-spreading almost frictionless, and that comes with consequences; for teams, for individuals, and for the credibility of sports coverage itself.
Nonetheless, Punjab's bigger battle right now is on the pitch, and that is where their energy should go.
To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.