An ex-India pacer has recently shared a heartwarming story from the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) involving Preity Zinta, co-owner of the Punjab Kings, and all-rounder Axar Patel. The incident highlights Zinta's thoughtfulness and generosity towards the team members.

The former cricketer revealed that after one of the Punjab Kings' matches in IPL 2017, Preity Zinta made a special gesture that left a lasting impression. Axar Patel was the Man of the Match in that game. Zinta, known for her enthusiastic support and involvement with the team, decided to reward Patel for his outstanding performance.

However, instead of just handing over the standard Man of the Match award, Zinta went a step further. Knowing that Patel was a big fan of a particular gadget, she gifted him that item. This personal touch showed that she paid attention to the players' preferences and went out of her way to make them feel valued.

The ex-India pacer, while narrating the incident, emphasized that this gesture reflected Zinta's caring nature and her commitment to creating a positive environment within the team. He also noted that such acts of kindness can significantly boost a player's morale and create a sense of belonging.

Although the specific gadget was not disclosed, the story underscores the importance of team owners connecting with players on a personal level. Gestures like these can go a long way in fostering team spirit and motivating individuals to perform at their best.

Preity Zinta has been the co-owner of the Punjab Kings since 2008 and is known for her passionate support for the team. She is often seen in the stands, cheering for her players and interacting with fans. Beyond her enthusiasm, this story reveals a more personal side to her ownership, showing her genuine care for the players' well-being.

In other news involving Preity Zinta, it was reported back in 2016 that she had denied reports of a confrontation with then-coach Sanjay Bangar regarding team selection, specifically questioning why Axar Patel was not sent in to bat earlier in a match. More recently, in May 2025, there were reports of Preity Zinta taking fellow PBKS co-owners to court. The legal proceedings against Mohit Burman and Ness Wadia challenge the legality of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held earlier in the year. The dispute centers around procedural issues related to the EGM and the appointment of a new director at KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, the company that owns the PBKS franchise.