3 Major Controversies Involving Punjab Kings Ownership In IPL

Preity Zinta with PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia (X.com)Preity Zinta with PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia (X.com)

The Punjab Kings, formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, have been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. 

However, despite being an active part of the league for 17 years, the Punjab Kings are yet to win an IPL title. They went to the finals only once in 2014 before losing out to KKR in a nail biting thriller.

However, as much as the team is criticised for its underperformance, the off-field drama involving its high-profile ownership has also grabbed headlines over the past. 

Here's a look at three such controversies that exploded between Punjab Kings' owners.

3. Termination From BCCI Over Agreement Violation

Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals Owners posing together (X.com)Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals Owners posing together (X.com)

In a very unpopular and unknown controversy, BCCI once terminated Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals' franchise contract ahead of the 2011 IPL season auction due to violation of as many as three franchise agreement terms. 

However, both franchises took legal action, and after a careful review of the evidence, the court ruled in the franchise's favour. BCCI and Punjab Kings eventually called a truce with a fine payment of 1 crore, and thus, the Kings and Royals escaped an expulsion from the 2011 IPL season.

2. Preity Zinta Accused Co-Owner Ness Wadia Of Molestation

Ex-lovers and PBKS owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia (X.com)Ex-lovers and PBKS owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia (X.com)

Punjab Kings co-owners Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia were in a relationship when they initially bought the franchise. But the romance ended in 2009, and in 2014, Preity Zinta filed a molestation complaint against Wadia. She shared details of the incident on social media that dated back to the CSK and PBKS Qualifier 2 contest in Wankhede Stadium in 2014. 

Preity later accused Wadia of intimidation after she reached out to the police. However, after the case was stretched for four years, Preity Zinta withdrew the complaint, and the duo sorted out their differences. To date, they continue to participate in player auctions together. 

1. Preity Zinta-Mohit Burman Clash Over Sale Of Shares

Preity Zinta in tussle with PBKS co-owner Mohit Burman (X.com)Preity Zinta in tussle with PBKS co-owner Mohit Burman (X.com)

Not many know that Punjab Kings is largely owned by Mohit Burman's Dabur Group. He owns 48% of the shares, whereas Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia own a 23% stake each. Another businessman, Karan Paul, bought the rest of the 6% stake. However, recent rumours suggested that Buram wanted to sell a part of his shares to a third party, for which Zinta raised an objection. 

Apparently, as per their agreement clause, the shares have to be offered to an existing owner first before approaching a third party, and hence, Preity Zinta filed a restraining order plea to stop the sale of shares. While neither party has issued a statement, rumours suggest that Burman has no intentions to sell his shares momentarily.