It was a night to remember for Punjab Kings (PBKS) fans as the team, long dubbed underachievers in the Indian Premier League, booked a historic place in the IPL 2025 final. But the moment that truly captured the hearts of millions came after the final ball — an emotional Preity Zinta, co-owner of PBKS, ran onto the field and embraced skipper Shreyas Iyer in a tearful celebration that symbolized years of resilience, heartbreak, and hope.
A Dream Realized
For Preity Zinta, who has been associated with the team since its inception in 2008, this was more than just a cricketing milestone — it was a personal triumph. Over the years, she has stood by PBKS through thick and thin, through bottom-table finishes, dramatic player auctions, and crushing eliminations. On Monday night, as PBKS defeated the strong Rajasthan Royals side in a nerve-wracking qualifier at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, her emotions spilled over.
Dressed in the team’s red-and-gold colors, Preity was visibly teary-eyed as Shreyas Iyer led the team off the field. Cameras caught her running to the captain, who himself had played a crucial knock of 67* to anchor the chase. The duo shared a warm hug, and in that instant, the years of struggle melted into joy.
Shreyas Iyer: The Calm Architect
Shreyas Iyer, who took over the captaincy at the beginning of the 2025 season, has been pivotal in PBKS’s turnaround. His composed leadership, astute game-reading ability, and consistent batting have instilled a new sense of purpose in the team. This is PBKS’s first final appearance since their maiden one in 2014, and Iyer has played a massive role in making it happen.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Iyer said, “It feels surreal. To lead PBKS into the final is an honor, and seeing Preity ma’am so emotional made it all the more special. She has been our biggest supporter, always motivating the team even during tough times.”
The Preity Zinta Spirit
Zinta, always a bundle of energy at the games, shared her emotions with broadcasters moments after the win. “I’m crying, but these are happy tears. It’s been such a long journey for us — I’ve seen so many highs and lows with this team. But this squad, under Shreyas’s leadership, has been phenomenal. They play with heart, and tonight, they made history.”
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She also praised the team’s core players like Liam Livingstone, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran for their standout performances this season, but it was clear that her deepest gratitude was for Iyer. “He brought stability and belief to this team. I’m so proud of him.”
Fans Erupt in Joy
Social media platforms were flooded with posts celebrating the moment. The hashtag #PreityZinta trended alongside #PBKS and #ShreyasIyer within minutes of the match’s conclusion. Fans hailed Preity Zinta as the “Queen of Loyalty” and praised her unwavering commitment to the team.
Finals Await
PBKS will now face either Kolkata Knight Riders or Sunrisers Hyderabad in the grand final in Chennai. But no matter what happens next, the night of June 1 will remain etched in the hearts of every PBKS supporter as the night when belief turned into reality.
For Preity Zinta, the wait may finally be worth it — and the script could just be heading toward the fairy-tale ending she, and millions of fans, have waited 17 years for.