With the IPL 2025 mega auction still hours away, Krishnappa Gowtham has taken the cricket world by storm by making some explosive revelations about his former franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS). The experienced player has already played for several IPL teams but has been openly critical of Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Speaking on an Unwind podcast, Krishnappa Gowtham shared a horrifying experience of being part of the Punjab Kings in the IPL that could tarnish the image of the franchise just a day before the IPL 2025 mega auction, which will be held in Jeddah on November 24. and 25.
Krishnappa Gowtham slams Punjab Kings for poor treatment during his stint ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction
The Karnataka bowler has so far been a part of Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, apart from Punjab Kings.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Auction: James Anderson’s Registration Canceled By IPL Team CEO
Having represented three different IPL teams since 2017, Gowtham has been a part of the league for 36 matches. However, despite his skill and versatility, Gowtham could only play 36 matches despite making his IPL debut in 2017. Only Rajasthan Royals (RR) believed in him and gave him a longer rope in the IPL, playing 22 games in both seasons. for them.
The bowling all-rounder never got a chance to prove himself on the field, but it was the Punjab Kings franchise that made him feel like nothing. Krishnappa Gowtham has made it clear that of all the franchises he has played for, Punjab Kings is the one he would never want to represent in the IPL again.
Gowtham no longer wants to play for PBKS in the IPL
The player stated that he has never had a good experience with the franchise, and that it was not just about cricket opportunities but the overall treatment he received during his time with the IPL team.
Furthermore, he emphasized that if Punjab Kings were to pick him in the IPL 2025 auction, he would not give his 100% and that is because of his past experience. This is not the first time, but it is a rare case where a player has openly criticized the treatment given by an IPL team before the auction.
Cricket.com quoted Krishnappa Gowtham as saying: “I would say Punjab Kings. I’m just being very honest. I have never had a good experience with them. There are other things; It’s not just about cricket. It’s not the way I would like to be treated as a cricketer. When I play for a team, I always give more than 100% for the team; I never keep anything back. But I wouldn’t give more than 100% to Punjab Kings if they pick me (in the IPL 2025 mega auction).”
? 🤔
Krishnappa Gowtham: “Punjab Kings. I never had a good experience with them. There are other things, not just about cricket.” 😯
Full episode: pic.twitter.com/PBgnvZsKlw
– Cricket.com (@weRcricket) November 23, 2024
Glenn Maxwell exposes Punjab Kings’ dark secrets
Many even claimed the alleged influence of PBKS owners in team selection, as well as the tense atmospheres in the dressing room, with players, coaches and support staff feeling the pressure after every defeat in the world’s biggest T20 spectacle.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Auction: Shreyas Iyer positions himself for unstoppable bidding war with impressive SMAT ton
Earlier, Australian all-rounder and former Punjab captain Glenn Maxwell also exposed the inner workings of the IPL team in his autobiography. Maxwell recalled how mentor Virender Sehwag had picked the playing XI even though Maxwell was the captain of the team during the 2017 season.
To make matters worse, Virender Sehwag reportedly criticized Glenn Maxwell during the post-match press conferences, blaming him for the team’s failures. With players like Gowtham and Maxwell openly criticizing the Punjab franchise and sharing their bad experiences, the IPL team is sure to face serious criticism from fans and players.