Punjab Kings (PBKS) assured themselves a spot in Qualifier 1 with a crucial win against Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday, May 26. After the important seven-wicket victory, PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta lavished praise on captain Shreyas Iyer for leading the team from the front.
Zinta was understandably over the moon as PBKS made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. She said that PBKS was lucky to have an astute captain and classy batter like Shreyas in their ranks. The iconic Bollywood actress also mentioned that Shreyas’ combination with head coach Ricky Ponting has worked wonders for the franchise.
“We are lucky that we have Shreyas Iyer. He has been a fantastic captain and is a great leader. And Ricky Ponting as a coach, their combination has done wonders for us,” Zinta told the broadcasters after PBKS’ comprehensive victory.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad was scheduled to host Qualifier 1 when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the fixtures ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, after a revised schedule was released recently, the important clash was shifted to the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, which hosted four of PBKS’ seven home games this season.
Zinta said that she was very happy that the Punjab-based franchise would get to play a critical fixture like Qualifier 1 in Mullanpur, where many PBKS fans are expected to turn up.
“Super excited to play in Mullanpur. Things changed, but I am not complaining,” said Zinta, who has been seen in almost every PBKS game this season.
She also revealed how much she is enjoying Punjab’s topsy-turvy campaign in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league. Zinta also mentioned that they want to win the title for the fans.
“Ifs and buts we can forget. I am just excited and taking each days as it comes. We want to win for our fans. Our fanbase has always supported us. They have supported us for so many years. It will be for all the Punjab Kings fans. Our team slogan is ‘bas jeetna hai, ‘” Zinta said.
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