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August 20, 2024
The Punjab Kings (PBKS), previously known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), is a professional cricket team based in Mullanpur, Mohali, Punjab, that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team is owned by Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, and Karan Paul. They play their home matches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mohali. However, they’ve also played some games in Dharamsala and Indore since 2010.
The Punjab Kings have had a varied IPL history. They topped the league table in 2014 but ended as runners-up and have made only one other playoff appearance in 16 seasons. The team also competed in the now-defunct Champions League Twenty20 in 2014, reaching the semi-finals. In February 2021, the team changed its name from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings. In the December 2022 mini-auction, they set a record by making the highest-ever bid for a player, acquiring Sam Curran for ₹18.50 crore (US$2.2 million).
In 2007 the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) established the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a Twenty20 cricket tournament. An auction for eight city-based franchises was held in Mumbai on February 20, 2008. The franchise representing Punjab was purchased by a consortium including Mohit Burman of the Dabur Group (46%), Ness Wadia of the Wadia Group (23%), Preity Zinta (23%), and Saptarshi Dey of the Dey & Dey Group (minor stake), for a total of $76 million.
Named initially Kings XI Punjab, the franchise’s catchment area included Kashmir, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, as reflected in the letter sequence “K J H P H” in the old team logo.
In October 2010, following a controversy involving the BCCI and Lalit Modi, the Indian Premier League announced that it was terminating the franchise contracts of Kings XI Punjab and the Rajasthan Royals. Both teams responded by announcing their intention to take legal action to remain in the league. They initially sought to negotiate a resolution with the IPL. Still, when those efforts failed, they filed a case with the Bombay High Court. They alleged that the IPL’s decision to terminate the contracts aimed to clear the way for more lucrative bidders in the 2012 IPL season.
The Bombay High Court upheld the termination order, allowing the teams to remain in the league while resolving the dispute. The legal battle between the BCCI and the franchises continued until it was settled in 2012.
On February 17, 2021, Kings XI Punjab was renamed to Punjab Kings before the start of the 2021 Indian Premier League season. Ness Wadia, a team co-owner, explained that the name change was part of a rebranding effort after 13 seasons without a title. He expressed disappointment that the team had not won an IPL trophy and hoped the new name would help the franchise start fresh. The name change had been planned for two years but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Punjab Kings’ livery is defined by its striking red and silver color scheme, representing energy and modernity. The primary red hue symbolizes the passion and intensity of the team. At the same time, silver accents add a touch of sophistication and elegance. The team’s logo, featuring a lion’s head, prominently adorns the jersey’s chest, reflecting strength and bravery. The livery also incorporates various sponsor logos and design elements that evolve each season. Still, the core red and silver palette remains a constant symbol of the Punjab Kings’ identity in the IPL.
The Punjab Kings’ rivalries in the IPL are marked by notable and competitive matchups, particularly with the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Mumbai Indians. The rivalry with the Kolkata Knight Riders is significant because both teams frequently are strong competitors in the league, often leading to high-stakes games that influence playoff positions. Their encounters are typically intense and closely contested, reflecting their shared ambition to dominate the IPL.
Additionally, the Punjab Kings have a competitive rivalry with the Mumbai Indians. This rivalry has been fueled by several memorable matches and critical moments in the league’s history, contributing to an engaging and often unpredictable clash between the two teams. The high level of competition and the stakes involved in these games make them some of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Punjab Kings Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Bhatia, Rilee Rossouw and Shashank Singh.
Punjab Kings Rounders: Chris Woakes, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Tanay Thyagarajann, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza and Shivam Singh
Punjab Kings Bowlers: Prince Choudhary, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Vidwath Kaverappa, and Harshal Patel
As of August 2024, the Punjab Kings are currently ranked in the middle tier of the IPL 2024 standings. They have shown an inconsistent performance throughout the season, struggling to maintain a stable position in the top half of the table. Despite some notable individual performances and occasional match wins, the team has faced challenges in securing crucial victories. Their current standing reflects a need for improved consistency and strategic adjustments as they aim to push for a playoff spot in the remaining fixtures of the season.