Preity Zinta thanks PBKS fans after IPL 2026 fifth-place exit

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Preity Zinta thanks PBKS fans after IPL 2026 fifth-place exit

Synopsis

Punjab Kings entered IPL 2026 as finalists, won their first six games, then fell one point short of the playoffs. Co-owner Preity Zinta's heartfelt fan note captures the sting of a near-miss that looked, for one half of the season, like a title run.

Key Takeaways

Preity Zinta posted a thank-you message to PBKS fans on X on 28 May 2026 , calling the season's journey 'more wholesome' because of fan support.
Punjab Kings finished fifth in IPL 2026 with 15 points — one point short of the playoff cut.
The team had won their first six matches in a row before their campaign faltered in the second half.
PBKS had entered the season as the previous year's finalists .
Zinta is set to appear in action-comedy 'Vibe' (releasing 18 September 2026 ) and period drama 'Lahore 1947' .

Bollywood actress and Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Preity Zinta has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team's supporters following the franchise's exit from IPL 2026, describing the season as a rollercoaster that felt 'more wholesome' because of fan support. Her message came on 28 May 2026, shortly after the team's campaign concluded.

Zinta's Message to Fans

In a post on X, Zinta wrote: 'A big thank you to all the supporters of PBKS for standing strong with us all through the rollercoaster ride of IPL 2026. From the highs to the lows & everything in between…. felt more wholesome with all of your love Till we meet again, all my love & best wishes #Ting.'

The message underscored the emotional bond the co-owner maintains with the team's fanbase, even as the season ended short of expectations.

How PBKS Fared in IPL 2026

Punjab Kings had entered IPL 2026 as the previous year's finalists, carrying considerable momentum and fan expectation. The team made a blazing start, winning their first six matches consecutively and dominating the points table in the tournament's first half.

However, the campaign lost steam in the second half, and PBKS ultimately finished fifth in the standings with 15 points — just one point short of the playoff cut. The narrow miss made the exit all the more painful for supporters who had dared to dream of another final.

Zinta's Upcoming Film Projects

On the professional front, Zinta is set to return to screens with two notable projects. She will appear alongside Kunal Kemmu in the action-comedy 'Vibe', produced by Kemmu and Chirag Nihalani under their banner Drongo Films. The film, which also features Sparsh Shrivastava and debutant Vanshika Dhir, is expected to release on 18 September 2026 and marks the production house's debut venture.

'Vibe' centres on two close friends whose everyday lives spiral into a high-energy, unpredictable adventure that tests both their survival instincts and their bond.

Zinta will also feature in 'Lahore 1947', directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan. The period drama is set against the backdrop of India's Partition and stars Sunny Deol in the lead role, with Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh in key supporting parts.

What's Next for PBKS

With the IPL 2026 season now behind them, Punjab Kings will look to regroup ahead of the next edition. Their near-miss at the playoffs — after a dominant first half — will likely prompt a close review of the squad's second-half consistency. For Zinta and the franchise, the challenge will be converting an electric start into a sustained title challenge.

Point of View

The fan-gratitude post is genuine, but it also papers over a structural question the franchise has faced for years: how to sustain early-season form across a full tournament. One point off the cut, after being last year's finalists, is not a near-miss — it is a pattern.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Preity Zinta say about PBKS' IPL 2026 season?
Preity Zinta posted a thank-you message on X on 28 May 2026, saying the rollercoaster ride of IPL 2026 felt 'more wholesome' because of the love and unwavering support of Punjab Kings fans throughout the season.
How did Punjab Kings finish in IPL 2026?
Punjab Kings finished fifth in IPL 2026 with 15 points, missing the playoff cut by just one point. The team had entered the season as the previous year's finalists.
How did PBKS start IPL 2026?
Punjab Kings won their first six matches consecutively, dominating the points table in the first half of the tournament before their campaign lost momentum in the second half.
What films is Preity Zinta working on in 2026?
Preity Zinta will appear in 'Vibe', an action-comedy with Kunal Kemmu releasing on 18 September 2026, and in 'Lahore 1947', a Partition-era period drama directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and backed by Aamir Khan.
Who else stars in Preity Zinta's film 'Vibe'?
'Vibe' stars Preity Zinta and Kunal Kemmu, with Sparsh Shrivastava and debutant Vanshika Dhir in supporting roles. It is produced by Kunal Kemmu and Chirag Nihalani under Drongo Films.
Nation Press
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