Punjab Kings Co-Owner Preity Zinta Blasts Third Umpire Over Controversial Call in IPL 2025
In a dramatic turn of events during the high-stakes Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC), a contentious third umpire decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism. PBKS co-owner and Bollywood star Preity Zinta took to social media to express her outrage over what she termed an ‘unacceptable mistake‘ that cost her team crucial runs in a match that ended in a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat on April 18, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The controversy unfolded in the 15th over of Punjab Kings’ batting innings, as middle-order batter Shashank Singh unleashed a powerful shot off Delhi Capitals’ pacer Mohit Sharma. The ball soared toward the boundary, where DC fielder Karun Nair appeared to signal that it had crossed the rope for a six. Initial replays suggested the same, with the crowd erupting in anticipation of six runs being added to PBKS’s tally. However, the third umpire, after reviewing the footage, controversially ruled that Nair’s foot had not touched the boundary rope while attempting the catch, deeming it a clean save and awarding just a single run. This decision stripped Punjab Kings of five vital runs at a critical juncture of the game.
Fans and experts alike were left stunned by the call, with many questioning the use of technology and the accuracy of the third umpire’s judgment. Zinta, visibly frustrated, did not hold back in her criticism. Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, ‘In a tournament as prestigious as the IPL, with cutting-edge technology available to the third umpire, such glaring errors are simply unacceptable. I spoke to Karun Nair post-match, and he confirmed it was DEFINITELY a 6! I rest my case.‘ Her comments have since gone viral, amassing thousands of reactions from fans echoing similar sentiments.
This decision proved to be a turning point in the match. Punjab Kings, who were already struggling to post a competitive total, ended their innings at 154/7. Delhi Capitals chased down the target comfortably in 18.2 overs, with contributions from Rishabh Pant (42 off 28) and David Warner (38 off 30) sealing the deal. The loss has severely dented PBKS’s hopes of securing a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 points table, pushing them to a do-or-die scenario in their final league game against Mumbai Indians on April 22, 2025, at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.
Adding to Punjab’s woes, their playoff fate no longer rests solely in their hands. Even a victory against Mumbai Indians might not suffice, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) remain strong contenders for a spot in Qualifier 1. PBKS will need favorable results from other matches to keep their playoff dreams alive, making this controversial call all the more significant in the context of their campaign.
The incident has also reignited debates over the consistency and reliability of third-umpire decisions in the IPL. With ultra-edge, ball-tracking, and multiple camera angles at their disposal, such errors cast a shadow on the integrity of officiating in one of the world’s most-watched T20 leagues. Cricket analysts have pointed out that this isn’t the first time Punjab Kings have been at the receiving end of questionable umpiring this season, referencing a similar incident against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the tournament where a no-ball call went unpunished.
As the IPL 2025 season races toward its climax, the spotlight remains on how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL governing council will address these officiating concerns. For now, Preity Zinta’s passionate outburst has given voice to the frustrations of millions of PBKS supporters, who hope their team can overcome this setback and script a fairy-tale ending to their campaign. Will Punjab Kings bounce back, or will this controversial call be the defining moment of their season? Only time will tell.