Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta feels that every year problems related to the IPL “do affect” the franchise as a brand and its business as the cash-rich league has become some sort of a “whipping boy”.
“Yes, it does affect the brand and it is unfair to the owners. It affects our business as every year there is some controversy or some rumours that come up. I believe at one level IPL has become a whipping boy for many,” Zinta told PTI during an interaction on the issue of Maharashtra drought that led to shifting of 13 matches.
In 2013 , IPL was rocked by spot-fixing scandal due to alleged involvement of three Rajasthan Royals cricketer including former India international turned politician S. Sreesanth.
In 2014 , IPL’s first half was held in the UAE due to the general elections in the country.
In 2015 , after the IPL was held, two franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years for their involvement in spot-fixing scandal.
In 2016 , IPL matches have been forced to shift outside the state due to the worst drought faced by Maharashtra in recent years.
The well-known Bollywood actress feels that it has been unfair as IPL has not only provided a platform for the emerging talent, but also created a window for franchise-based leagues in other sports in the country.
“Thanks to the IPL, we now have a Kabaddi League, the ISL, the Badminton League, the Hockey league (HIL).”
While she made it clear that she has complete faith in the judiciary, Zinta questioned those who have filed PIL regarding usage of water to maintain stadiums in drought-hit Maharashtra.
“I have complete respect for the judiciary. But I have a question as to what all those people who have filed PIL done to resolve this crisis in Maharashtra. Let me tell you that I have worked extensively in a Maharashtra village for the well-being of elderly people. This is not as KXIP owner or as an actress but it is as Preity the person that I am. This is my responsibility towards the society,” said Zinta.
Upbeat about KXIP’s performance
Kings XI Punjab has not performed well last season and it hasn’t been a great start to IPL 9 either but the co-owner is confident that they will do better than last year.
“We stuck to our core team despite last year’s performance as this is the same group that got us in the final in 2014. Last year, our bowling was a bit weak but we have tried to strengthen that area. I am hopeful that we would be doing well,” she sounded optimistic.
Curious about Dhoni’s biopic
On a different note, when asked about the upcoming biopics on current India limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and former skipper Mohammed Azharuddin, the leading lady of ‘Soldier’ and ‘Veer Zara’ said that she is eagerly waiting to watch the one featuring Sushant Singh Rajput as Dhoni.
“I am curious about the biopic on Dhoni as I know him personally. It happens that if you know a famous person, you want to know more about his life. Azharuddin, I don’t know him personally but I must confess that I heard a song of the movie ’Azhar’ and found it to be really nice. So I won’t mind watching Azhar also,” she signed off.
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