PBKS wanted 'big performer' Shreyas Iyer, not 'big name' Rishabh Pant: Preity Zinta blasts fake quotes

Bollywood actress and Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta denied recent social media claims suggesting she made remarks about Rishabh Pant. Responding to an X user who circulated the alleged comments, Zinta labeled the claims as “fake news” and added that she never made such statements.

Rishabh Pant was the most expensive player in the history of the tournament. He was acquired for ₹27 crore by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, Pant’s performance has drawn criticism, as he has scored just 103 runs in seven innings. He has managed only one half-century alongside two ducks so far.

X User Claims Preity Zinta Insulted Rishabh Pant

A social media user named Gurlabh Singh alleged that Preity Zinta preferred a “big performer” like Shreyas Iyer over a “big name” like Pant. The user claimed that Zinta had “exposed” Pant with this remark about the IPL auction.

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"Rishabh Pant had said in an interview that I could go anywhere but not to Punjab Kings. But now Punjab owner Preity Zinta exposed Rishabh Pant and said, "WE HAD BOTH RISHABH PANT AND SHREYAS IYER- OPTIONS WE COULD HAVE TAKEN IN THE TEAM. BUT WE WANTED A BIG PERFORMER, NOT A BIG NAME...SO WE TOOK SHREYAS IYER IN THE TEAM"." tweeted the user.

I Am Sorry But This Is Fake News - Preity Zinta

Preity Zinta clarified that she never made such remarks and dismissed the user’s suggestion that PBKS prioritized a proven performer over a star name.

"I am sorry but this is fake news," she replied.

I’m so sorry but this is FAKE NEWS !

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) April 19, 2025

Punjab Kings did not bid for Rishabh Pant during the IPL auction, having already secured Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore shortly before. Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title last season, was appointed PBKS captain this year.

The team is currently in second place on the points table. Iyer has been in excellent form, scoring 257 runs in seven matches, including his best score of 97 not out.

Ek Hi Tension Thha, Wo Hai Punjab - Rishabh Pant

The social media user did not respond to Zinta's denial of the "fake news" but added that she should address Rishabh Pant's earlier remarks. He stated that if Pant could make comments about Punjab Kings, the franchise should also be able to respond.

"Ma'am, if Rishabh Pant can sit with Vikrant Gupta and Sanjiv Goenka on international TV and say anything about our Punjab Kings, then why can't we say the same?

"Bhai gussa to aata hi hai chahe Rishabh Pant bhi Apna hi hai, lekin Rishabh Pant ko Punjab Kings ke bare me nahi bolna chahiye that," he wrote in his next two comments.

Rishabh Pant revealed in an interview that his only concern during the IPL mega auction was regarding the Punjab Kings. Pant stated that he felt tense about the possibility of being picked by PBKS. Pant made this comment in the presence of LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka.

"Andar se, mereko bas ek hi tension thha, wo hai Punjab (Deep within, I only had one tension that was regarding Punjab)," Pant had said.

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