Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), is a professional cricket team based in Mohali, Punjab, India. The franchise was founded in 2008 as one of the original eight IPL teams and is jointly owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia (Wadia Group), Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul2.
The team plays its home matches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali6.
Punjab Kings have never won an IPL title but reached the final twice — as runners-up in 2014 and 20252. They are one of only three active IPL franchises yet to win a title, alongside Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans.
History
Formation (2008)
The franchise was acquired in the 2008 auction for approximately $76 million by a group of investors including Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul6. Initially named Kings XI Punjab, the team represented Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir.
In their inaugural season (2008), they reached the semi-finals, finishing third on the points table5.
2014 — Best Season
The 2014 season was their most successful. They topped the league table with 11 wins from 17 matches and reached the final, where they lost to KKR in the final2. This remained their best finish until 2025.
Rebranding (2021)
In February 2021, the franchise was officially rebranded from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings3.
2025 Return to Final
In 2025, Punjab Kings reached their second IPL final under captain Shreyas Iyer, who was acquired for a record ₹26.75 crore — the highest ever bid in IPL history1. They finished as runners-up again.
Season-by-season record
| Season | Position | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3rd | Semi-finalists |
| 2009 | 5th | League stage |
| 2010 | 8th | League stage |
| 2011 | 5th | League stage |
| 2012 | 6th | League stage |
| 2013 | 6th | League stage |
| 2014 | 2nd | Runners-up |
| 2015 | 8th | League stage |
| 2016 | 6th | League stage |
| 2017 | 5th | League stage |
| 2018 | 7th | League stage |
| 2019 | 6th | League stage |
| 2020 | 6th | League stage |
| 2021 | 6th | League stage |
| 2022 | 6th | League stage |
| 2023 | 8th | League stage |
| 2024 | 9th | League stage |
| 2025 | 2nd | Runners-up |
Overall: 263 matches, 119 wins, 139 losses — Win rate: 45.24%5
Team Records
Batting
- Highest team total: 262/2 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (April 26, 2024)5
- Highest run-scorer: KL Rahul — 2,548 runs (2018-2021)3
- Highest individual score: 142* — KL Rahul vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2020)
Bowling
- Leading wicket-taker: Ashish Nehra — 29 wickets (2014-2017)4
- Best bowling figures: 4/16 — Anrich Nortje vs Mumbai Indians (2020)
Notable Players
- Shreyas Iyer — Captain (2025-present), record ₹26.75 crore buy
- KL Rahul — Top scorer, held captaincy 2018-2021
- Shaun Marsh — 2,477 runs, top scorer in inaugural season
- Arshdeep Singh — Leading wicket-taker in recent seasons
- Yuzvendra Chahal — Key spinner
Franchise Summary
Punjab Kings are one of the most underperforming IPL franchises, having reached the playoffs only twice in 18 seasons (2008 semi-final, 2014 and 2025 finals)2. Despite having big names like Adam Gilchrist, Yuvraj Singh, and Ricky Ponting as coaches over the years, the franchise has struggled for consistency.
They have had the highest captaincy and coaching turnover in IPL history, with a new captain every 12 months and new coach every 18 months on average3. The 2025 season showed promise with a final appearance, but they remain one of only three franchises never to have won the IPL.