‘Problems related to IPL affect the franchises’

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta feels that every year problems related to the Indian Premier League “do affect” the franchise as a brand and its business as the cash-rich league has become some sort of a “whipping boy”.

“Yes, it does affect the brand and it is unfair to the owners. It affects our business as every year there is some controversy or some rumours that come up. I believe at one level IPL has become a whipping boy for many,” Zinta told PTI during an interaction on the issue of Maharashtra drought that led to shifting of 13 matches. It must be noted that in 2013, IPL was rocked by spot-fixing scandal due to alleged involvement of three Rajasthan Royals cricketer including former India international turned politician S Sreesanth.