In a dramatic turn of events, Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta has fired back at what she calls "calculated misinformation" swirling around her team's star players Yuzvendra Chahal and Prabhsimran Singh. The franchise, currently battling a rough patch on the field, is now fighting a war off it too—against baseless rumors and fake narratives.

Let's rewind. PBKS started IPL 2026 like a team possessed, going unbeaten in their first seven matches—six wins and one rain-washed affair. Fans were already dreaming of playoff glory. But as any cricket fan knows, momentum in T20 cricket can vanish faster than a wide ball. Four consecutive losses have now put Punjab's campaign on shaky ground, turning what looked like a smooth ride into a desperate scramble for wins.

But the real drama unfolded away from the pitch. First, a video surfaced showing spinner Yuzvendra Chahal allegedly vaping aboard a flight, sparking a social media storm. Then, opener Prabhsimran Singh became the target of online chatter questioning his fitness and discipline. For a team already under pressure, these distractions couldn't have come at a worse time.

Enough was enough. On Tuesday night, PBKS released a stern statement on social media, later edited for clarity, warning against the spread of misinformation. "Criticism, banter, and opinions are part of sport," the statement read. "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."

Preity Zinta, never one to stay silent when her team is under fire, doubled down with her own strong words, condemning what she described as a calculated attempt to tarnish player reputations. For a franchise that prides itself on unity and family culture, these attacks hit close to home.

As PBKS gear up for must-win matches, the message is clear: focus on the cricket, not the noise. In a league where every ball counts, the Kings need their players' minds on the game—not on defending themselves off it.