Punjab Kings' bold squad overhaul ahead of the current IPL season has paid dividends, the team has reached the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. But even as celebrations kick off on the field, trouble brews off it. A legal dispute over the franchise's ownership has cast a shadow over their success.
Bollywood actress and co-owner Preity Zinta has filed a lawsuit against fellow co-owners Mohit Burman and Ness Wadia, as reported by several Indian media outlets, including Times Now. The case is now being heard in a Chandigarh court.
According to the lawsuit, Mohit and Wadia called an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in violation of company rules, including provisions under India's Companies Act of 2013. Preity alleges the meeting was unauthorised and procedurally flawed.
The franchise is operated by KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, whose board includes Preity, Mohit, and Wadia. Before the EGM on April 21, Preity had formally objected to its legitimacy. Despite this, the meeting proceeded. Although she attended, she later pursued legal action.
In her petition, Preity has requested the court to annul all decisions made during the April 21 meeting. She has also demanded the removal of a director named Munish and called for a ban on further board meetings until the case is resolved.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have already clinched a playoff spot with 8 wins in 12 matches. However, analysts warn that the internal rift and legal entanglements could undermine the team's momentum and morale during this crucial phase of the tournament.
