PBKS Team 2025 Players List: History, Records and Achievements

Punjab Kings History

The Punjab Kings, formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, are one of the original eight franchises that featured in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Despite boasting some of the biggest names in world cricket and boasting a market and fanbase like the state of Punjab, they have been one of the most turbulent and underwhelming journeys in IPL history.
 

The Punjab-based franchise, jointly owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul, was purchased for USD $76 million during the BCCI’s first auction of team rights. The owners together formed a parent company called KPH Dream Cricket to continue their cricketing ventures. The Punjab Kings represent the northern belt of India, the team has been synonymous with splurging huge money at the auction table but then underperforming due to behind the scenes controversies. 

After years of inconsistencies, in 2021, the Kings XI Punjab decided to rebrand themselves as the Punjab Kings hoping that a new name and a new image would revive their fortunes. However, the rebranding didn’t go to plan as in the four seasons since the new image, Punjab Kings are still yet to make it to the playoffs of the IPL. 

In their 17-year-long journey, Punjab Kings have only qualified for the Playoffs twice — in 2008 and 2014. Their best campaign came in 2014 when they finished as runners-up after a dominant league run. But since then, it’s been a tale of constant rebuilds, frequent captaincy changes, and mid-table finishes.
 

The Punjab franchise has seen stars like Adam Gilchrist, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, and Yuvraj Singh don their jersey, but team consistency has remained elusive. They are one of only three franchises — alongside Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru — to have played all IPL seasons but never lifted the title.

Punjab Kings Captain and Vice Captain Over the Years

The Punjab Kings are infamous when it comes to picking captains over the years. The franchise has had the unwanted record of appointing and dismissing the most captains in the history of the IPL. They have experimented with a wide range of captains over the years, often reflecting their unstable performances. From local icons like Yuvraj Singh to international legends like Adam Gilchrist and George Bailey, and more recently KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan — Punjab’s leadership history is a revolving door of trial and error. In 18 seasons, Punjab Kings have had more than 17 players captaining their franchise. 

Most Successful and Least Successful PBKS Captains

Punjab Kings Administration and Support Staff 2025

Punjab Kings Achievements and Records

The Punjab Kings alongside the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the only three IPL franchises to have featured in all 18 editions of the Tata IPL and still have never won the tournament. However, they still have some great records to their name, including highest ever run chase in IPL history and the lowest total defended in IPL history.  

Team Records (As of May 2025)

Individual Records 

Punjab Kings Key Rivalries

Now in their 18th season of the IPL, Punjab Kings have developed some fierce rivalries that bring extra fire to the competition. These rivalries are defined not just by close encounters and on-field intensity but also by the emotional investment of fans who have stood by the team through thick and thin.

Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings

One of Punjab Kings’ longest-standing rivalries is with the Chennai Super Kings. While CSK has been a dominant force in the IPL, PBKS have pulled off several notable victories against them over the years. The contrast in leadership styles and team composition has added to the drama every time these sides clash.

In recent years, Punjab Kings have dominated CSK, winning seven out of their last eight encounters and three consecutive seasons at Chepauk Stadium.

Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians

PBKS and Mumbai Indians have contested several memorable matches. Although MI has historically had the upper hand in the IPL, Punjab have taken them down in some of the most thrilling encounters, including a double Super Over in IPL 2020. These games have often come down to the final overs, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In 32 matches played, Punjab Kings have won 15 while Mumbai Indians have won 17. 

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry is built on mutual unpredictability. Both teams boast powerful batting lineups and have often produced high-scoring contests. KL Rahul’s record 132* against RCB in IPL 2020 remains one of the standout moments in this rivalry.

The Punjab Kings hold a narrow edge in this fixture with a 51% winning percentage while, RCB have a 49% winning percentage. 

Punjab Kings Team Owner and Sponsorships

Over the years, Punjab Kings have maintained a strong presence in the IPL, thanks in part to a stable ownership group and a growing list of commercial partners. The franchise’s strategic branding and marketability efforts have helped it attract major sponsors and loyal fans alike.

Ownership: KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited

Punjab Kings is owned by KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, a consortium co-owned by prominent figures such as Mohit Burman (Dabur India), Ness Wadia (Wadia Group), Preity Zinta (Bollywood actor and entrepreneur), and Karan Paul (Apeejay Surrendra Group).

The team was initially acquired for $76 million in 2008, making it one of the costlier franchises at the time. Preity Zinta's passionate involvement has made her the face of the franchise, frequently seen cheering for the team from the stands.

While the team has struggled to find on-field consistency, its owners have maintained faith in the brand and invested consistently in both infrastructure and talent acquisition. The team’s rebranding from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2021 was aimed at freshening the team’s identity and building a stronger pan-India appeal.

Punjab Kings Sponsors

Over the years, Punjab Kings have built strong commercial partnerships, aligning themselves with various industries ranging from financial services to beverages and digital platforms. Their 2025 sponsorship lineup reflects a blend of new-age tech firms and traditional Indian businesses.

Title Sponsors Over the Years

EbixCash (2019–2020): Financial exchange and insurance brand

BKT Tires (2021): Key industrial partner and visible presence on team kits

Lotus Herbals (2022–2023): Indian cosmetics and skincare brand

Dream11 (2024 -): Like various other IPL franchises, fantasy sports platform Dream 11 is the current title sponsor of the Punjab Kings. 

Punjab Kings Team Fan Following

Punjab Kings due to their lack of success in the IPL have one of the smallest fan bases compared to some of the other franchises with massive fan following like the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru or the Chennai Super Kings. Despite having a smaller fanbase, there is no denying that Punjab Kings have some of the most loyal and passionate fans especially from their own state. 

The franchise is particularly popular in North India — Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Himachal Pradesh — and also commands a significant NRI fanbase. Their decision to host a few home games in Dharamsala over the years has only added to their regional popularity.

Social Media Followers (As of May 2025)

Punjab Kings 2025 Full Squad