Following Punjab Kings’ first loss in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League against Rajasthan Royals, a picture has surfaced on social media claiming to show PBKS owner Preity Zinta and skipper Shreyas Iyer breaking down.
The above post can be seen here (archive)
NM VERIFIED
NewsMobile investigated the picture in question and found it to be AI-generated and digitally fabricated.
A Reverse Image Search, along with relevant keyword checks, did not yield any credible news reports, authentic visuals, or official social media posts supporting the claim. Neither of the individuals seen in the image has shared such a photograph on their verified handles, nor has any reputable media organisation reported any such incident.
A closer inspection of the image reveals multiple inconsistencies typically associated with AI-generated visuals — including uneven lighting, unnatural facial blending, distorted hand structures, disproportionate body alignment, and an overly smooth, artificial-looking background.
Further analysis using AI detection tools Sightengine and Hive Moderation flagged the image as AI-generated with a high probability score, confirming that the viral photo is not authentic.
The viral image purportedly showing Preity Zinta and Shreyas Iyer in tears after the Punjab Kings’ defeat is fake and AI-generated.
