Punjab Kings and co-owner Preity Zinta have issued a strong statement on social media after a string of unverified rumours linked to the franchise and its players began circulating online during IPL 2026. While neither PBKS nor Zinta named the claims directly, both made it clear that the rumours were “fake” and warned that any attempt to damage the team, individuals or the brand through misinformation would not be taken lightly.

The warning comes at a time when the Punjab Kings are going through a difficult phase on the field. PBKS started their IPL 2026 campaign in stunning fashion, winning their first seven matches and looking like early favourites to secure a top-two finish. However, the momentum has now shifted sharply, with the team losing four matches in a row and facing growing scrutiny over its recent dip in form.

In a post on X, Punjab Kings stressed that criticism and banter are part of sport, but false narratives created solely for attention are unacceptable. The franchise also initially urged “sports journalists” to verify facts before publishing or amplifying such claims.

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“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,” PBKS posted.

The franchise later deleted that version of the post and replaced it with a revised message that removed the direct reference to sports journalists, but kept the core warning intact.

“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,” the updated post read.

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

Preity Zinta also weighed in separately, calling for greater responsibility from all users, including media professionals, when sharing unverified information. She drew a clear line between fair criticism and deliberate misinformation, saying harmful narratives should not be ignored.

“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,” Preity Zinta wrote on X.

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She added that everyone should exercise caution before amplifying unverified content. Punjab Kings currently sit fourth in the IPL 2026 points table and will next face Mumbai Indians on Thursday in a crucial match as they look to arrest their losing streak.

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