Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), is an IPL professional franchise representing Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team was started in 2008 and is owned by Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, and Karan Paul. Punjab Kings play their home matches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali, but they have also hosted games in Dharamsala and Indore.
Even though Punjab Kings is a well-known team in the IPL, they have never won the championship. Their best season was in 2014 when they reached the final but finished as runners-up. In 2021, the team changed its name to Punjab Kings for a new identity. In the 2025 IPL auction, they made history by buying Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore (US$3.1 million), the highest price ever paid for a player in IPL history.
Franchise History of Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings have been one of the most unpredictable teams in IPL history, known for their thrilling performances, famous players, and many dramatic ups and downs. From reaching the finals to struggling for consistency, their journey has been filled with excitement, heartbreak, and determination.
Formation and Early Years (2008-2010)
The Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) was established in 2008 as part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise auction. The team was purchased for $76 million by a consortium led by Mohit Burman of the Dabur Group (46%), Ness Wadia of the Wadia Group (23%), Bollywood actress Preity Zinta (23%), and Saptarshi Dey of the Dey & Dey Group (minor stake). The franchise represented the regions of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana.
In the inaugural IPL season of 2008, Kings XI Punjab had a slow start but recovered well, winning 9 out of 14 league matches. The team, led by Yuvraj Singh, reached the semi-finals but was eliminated by Chennai Super Kings. Australian batsman Shaun Marsh emerged as the Orange Cap winner with 616 runs.
In 2009, Punjab lost some important Australian players, which affected their performance. Punjab had a mixed campaign and failed to qualify for the semi-finals. The 2010 season was also disappointing, with the team finishing at the bottom of the points table.
Expulsion and Reinstatement (2010-2011)
Following the controversy surrounding the IPL administration in 2010, Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals were expelled due to ownership issues. The franchise legally challenged the decision, and the Bombay High Court reinstated its place in the IPL in 2012. However, this period of uncertainty disrupted their planning and affected their performance in subsequent seasons.
Struggles and Rebuilding Phase (2011-2013)
From 2011 to 2013, Punjab Kings struggled to make a significant impact. They finished 5th in 2011, 6th in 2012, and failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2013. The team lacked stability in leadership and squad composition. Despite the struggles, some individual performances stood out, such as David Miller’s memorable 101* off 38 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013, which showcased their potential for explosive performances.
Dream Run in 2014 and Champions League (2014)
The 2014 IPL season remains Punjab’s best campaign to date. Under George Bailey’s captaincy, the team played aggressive cricket, with Glenn Maxwell and David Miller leading the charge. Punjab finished at the top of the points table and reached their first-ever IPL final but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders. Wriddhiman Saha’s century in the final was a notable highlight.
Punjab also qualified for the 2014 Champions League T20, reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by Chennai Super Kings.
Years of Decline and Leadership Changes (2015-2019)
Following their peak in 2014, Punjab Kings experienced a decline, finishing last in 2015 and 2016. A lack of a stable core and leadership changes hindered their progress. The likes of Murali Vijay, Glenn Maxwell, and Ravichandran Ashwin captained the team in different seasons, but Punjab failed to qualify for the playoffs.
In 2017, they showed some promise but missed out on a playoff berth due to inconsistency. The 2018 season saw Punjab starting strong, winning 5 of their first 6 matches, but a late slump saw them miss the playoffs again. KL Rahul’s exceptional form was a positive takeaway, finishing as their leading run-scorer.
In 2019, despite assembling a balanced squad, Punjab finished 6th, with KL Rahul being their standout performer with 593 runs.
Rebranding and Continued Struggles (2020-2023)
Ahead of the 2021 IPL season, the franchise was rebranded from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings. The name change aimed at revamping the team’s image and performance. However, the struggles continued. Despite having match-winners like KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, and Mayank Agarwal, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
In 2023, Punjab Kings made significant changes, appointing Shikhar Dhawan as captain and signing key players like Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone. However, they still struggled to maintain consistency in performance. Harshal Patel won the Purple Cap with 24 wickets, and they made history by chasing down 262 against KKR, setting the world record for the highest successful T20 chase.
Recent Performance and Looking Ahead (2024-Present)
In the 2024 season, Punjab Kings struggled again, finishing ninth with a win percentage of 35.7%. They lost their captain Shikhar Dhawan to injury early in the season, which contributed to their inconsistent performance. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, including their record-breaking chase, they failed to make an impact in the tournament.
Punjab Kings’ Fan Base and Social Media Presence
Punjab Kings’ social media presence is nothing short of electrifying, reflecting the passion and loyalty of their massive fan base. With a staggering 9.1 million followers on Facebook, 3.4 million on Instagram, 3 million on Twitter, and 564K on YouTube, the franchise has built a digital empire that resonates with cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Their social media handles are a vibrant mix of thrilling match updates, behind-the-scenes content, player interactions, and fan-driven campaigns, making them one of the most engaging IPL teams online.
What sets Punjab Kings apart is their ability to connect with fans on a personal level. They don’t just post; they create experiences. From sharing heart-pumping match highlights to celebrating player milestones, their content is designed to evoke emotions and keep fans hooked. Their daily posts across platforms ensure there’s always something new to look forward to, whether it’s a quirky meme, a heartfelt tribute, or an exclusive interview with a star player.
The team’s engagement strategy is a masterclass in fan interaction. They are making fans feel like an integral part of the journey. Their record-breaking chase of 262 in 2023🏏🔥, for instance, was celebrated with a flood of posts and videos, capturing the euphoria of the moment and amplifying the excitement among followers.
Punjab Kings’ social media isn’t just about cricket; it’s about building a community. Their ability to blend thrilling content with genuine fan interaction has turned their platforms into a digital stadium, where every post feels like a cheer from the stands. For fans, following Punjab Kings isn’t just about supporting a team—it’s about being part of a family that lives and breathes cricket🔥🏏.