Kings XI Punjab changes their name to Punjab Kings in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League 2021.
The Punjab-based franchise has struggled to perform in recent times and has reached the IPL playoffs only twice in 13 seasons.
Their best finish in the IPL came in 2014 when they made it to the final but was beaten by Kolkata Knight Riders in the title clash.
The team will also be sporting a new logo for the forthcoming IPL season.
“I liked the name Kings XI, but the team is a lot more than just 11 players. It was supposed to feel like a family, supposed to feel like a whole unit,” said captain KL Rahul
“I felt like we were on the right track last year as well, we played some unbelievable cricket and we managed to do some unreal things last season. There were a lot of close games last year that we really felt like we should have won, and that has happened in the last three seasons that I have been part of Kings XI. So fingers crossed, this (name change) will bring us some good luck and bring our team together,” KL Rahul in an interview
“Over the years, I’ve seen people say KXIP, Punjab 11, Kings XI, and they were never really calling it Kings XI Punjab. So we thought we’ll simplify it,” “Punjab Kings is much simpler, it has a nicer tone to it, it goes more to the region.”- Preity Zinta
“Absolutely loving the new name. Sometimes it is good to have a change. Punjab Kings is the way to go, it is a way to get everyone involved,” said Gayle.
