Preity to sell KingsXI Punjab?

A few days ago, Preity Zinta vociferously denied the reports that Team Punjab owners were planning to sell their IPL team, because of its poor showing in the tournament. “How many times the news has 2 be WRONG about our stake sale!” she had tweeted. 

However, the winds seem to have changed direction, or at least, no one’s outrightly denying it now. Ready to dispose off their stakes, the owners of team Punjab are looking for “genuine buyers.” Will IPL season 4 see a change in ownership? Is Venugopal Dhoot’s company in the race? We spoke to the owners to find out the latest … 

Ness Wadia 
Business is not emotional 
I have been saying that I am open to the idea, but we need to find genuine buyers. The talks are on with some buyers, but so far, nothing has been decided. I have no issues in selling my stake. My journey with the Punjab team has been fruitful, but here, we are into business and there’s nothing emotional in it. 

On Dhoot’s company in the race: Let me make it clear, we are not in talks with his company. The market is abuzz with the news, but I don’t know where it has come from. To the best of my knowledge, we haven’t talked with him, and once it happens, I’ll announce it myself. 

IPL and the controversies: The IPL has generated good business and hype. And I think now, when it has become successful, people are trying to bring it down. 

On owners losing interest: None of us has lost interest in the game and the team. Yes, I was unable to attend a couple of matches, as I was ill. We still love our team and will continue to do so. 

Will IPL 4 see change in ownership? It’s not clear yet. Maybe, it will happen, but the situation will be clear only when the team is being sold. Right now, I can’t say anything. 

On buzz that Preity isn’t letting others sell their stake : It’s not true. There’s no conflict within the management. We work like a team and whatever the decision is, will be of everyone. 

Mohit Burman 
We are ready to sell 
On selling: Yes, we are ready for that. I’ve been saying for long that if I get a good deal, I’ll have no issues selling it. So, now I’m waiting for the final word from the others. 

When will it happen? That, I can’t say. It might happen soon. So far, nothing has materialised, and I don’t like spreading rumours. On controversies involving his brother, Gaurav Burman: Things will be clear as the investigations are on. I have left everything on the future. 

On experience of being team owner: 
Fabulous. I loved my association with the team, and I think I learnt a lot in these three years. 

Preity Zinta 
Time will tell 
On selling: I can’t say anything on it now . Let time tell everyone. 

On the team’s bad showing : This season, we didn’t do well, but then, it’s a game and one has to win and another has to lose. I don’t get trapped in negativity, so I’m not taking the defeat to my heart. 

Post IPL: I’ll get on with my regular work – movies . I have a lot many things pending.