Preity Zinta thanks PBKS fans after IPL 2026 fifth-place exit
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
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.