For years, one of the most talked-about rumours linking the worlds of cricket and Bollywood revolved around Australian fast bowler Brett Lee and actor Preity Zinta. Their association during the early seasons of the Indian Premier League repeatedly sparked speculation that the two were secretly dating. Now, years after those stories dominated entertainment headlines, Brett has finally addressed the rumours and made his stance unmistakably clear.
The speculation gained momentum when Brett represented Punjab Kings, then known as Kings XI Punjab, while Preity served as the franchise’s co-owner. Their public appearances and friendly interactions often became the subject of gossip, but the former Australian pacer says there was never any truth to the reports. His latest comments put an end to one of the IPL’s longest-running celebrity rumours.
Brett Lee sets the record straight
Speaking to Bombay Times, Brett Lee dismissed the speculation that connected him with Bollywood actresses over the years. Without changing his words, he said, “Here’s your scoop – I never dated a Bollywood actress.” He then specifically addressed the rumours involving Preity Zinta and explained why they never affected him.
Brett said, “Preity Zinta and I were, and still are, great friends. She was the boss of the Punjab team back then. She’s an incredibly smart woman, and I have a lot of respect for her. Stories like that never bothered me because I always knew the truth. People can speculate all they want, but I never let it affect me.”
His statement finally settles years of speculation that resurfaced almost every IPL season. While fans enjoyed discussing the possibility of a romance, Brett maintained that their bond was built on friendship and mutual respect rather than anything more.
Why the rumours became so popular
The dating rumours largely emerged between 2008 and 2011, when Brett Lee played for Kings XI Punjab during the IPL. As one of the team’s biggest international stars and with Preity frequently seen supporting the franchise from the stands, the pair often attracted attention from cameras. Every interaction between them was closely watched, giving rise to repeated speculation about their relationship.
The rumours intensified further after the two were reportedly spotted together at a restaurant in Mumbai. That appearance fueled headlines suggesting there was more than friendship between them. However, Preity quickly addressed the gossip on social media at the time, making it clear that the reports were unfounded.
Without altering her statement, Preity wrote on X, “I think being romantically linked to Brett every year is outdated and stale news now! So sorry to say folks NO NEWS here! FRIENDS yeesss.” Despite her clarification, the rumours continued to resurface for several years whenever the IPL returned.
Where life took them after the speculation
Both Brett Lee and Preity Zinta eventually moved forward in their personal lives. Brett first married Elizabeth Kemp in 2006, and the couple had a son before separating two years later. Their divorce was finalized in 2009, and he later married Lana Anderson in 2014 after dating her for about a year. Together, they have two children.
During the same period, Preity was frequently linked with businessman and Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia, with reports often speculating about their relationship status. In 2016, the actor married Gene Goodenough in Los Angeles. The couple welcomed twins through surrogacy in 2021 and have largely kept their family life away from the public spotlight.
Professionally, Preity is preparing for her return to the big screen after appearing in Welcome to New York and Bhaiaji Superhit in 2018. She also featured in an episode of the American sitcom Fresh Off the Boat in 2020 and served as executive producer of the Indian adaptation of The Night Manager in 2023. She will next be seen in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Batwara 1947, alongside Sunny Deol and Shabana Azmi, while she also has Kunal Kemmu’s Vibe in her upcoming lineup.
