Australian cricket legend Brett Lee has finally spoken out about the long-running gossip that linked him with Bollywood actor Preity Zinta. For years, fans and media speculated about a possible romance between the two during their time together in the Indian Premier League (IPL). But now, Lee has made it clear that there was never any romantic relationship. He said they have always been good friends and that the rumours never bothered him because he knew the truth.
The rumours started around 2008 when Lee joined the Punjab Kings (then known as Kings XI Punjab) in the IPL. Preity Zinta was one of the team’s co-owners, and their frequent appearances together at matches and events led to endless gossip. The speculation only grew stronger after they were seen together at a restaurant in Mumbai. But after nearly two decades, Lee has put all the talk to rest with a straight-forward statement.
Brett Lee Gives a Clear Answer on Preity Zinta Dating Rumours
In a recent interview with Bombay Times, Brett Lee was asked about the old rumours that connected him with Bollywood actors, especially Preity Zinta. He did not hold back and gave a direct response.
“Here’s your scoop – I never dated a Bollywood actress. 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.”
The former Australian fast bowler also shared that the gossip never upset him. He said he always focused on what was real.
“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.”
Lee made it clear that his bond with Preity was always based on friendship and mutual respect. He also mentioned that she is one of his closest friends in India.
How the Rumours Between Brett Lee and Preity Zinta Started
The gossip about Brett Lee and Preity Zinta became a hot topic between 2008 and 2011. This was the time when Lee played for the Punjab Kings in the IPL. Since Preity was a co-owner of the team, they were often seen together during matches, practice sessions, and team promotions.
The rumours reached a new level when the two were spotted having dinner together at a restaurant in Mumbai. This sighting made many people believe that they were secretly dating. However, neither of them ever confirmed any romantic connection.
At that time, Preity was also frequently linked with businessman Ness Wadia, who was another co-owner of the Punjab Kings. The media often reported on her relationship with Wadia, adding more confusion to her personal life.
Preity Zinta Had Already Shut Down the Gossip Years Ago
Long before Brett Lee spoke up, Preity Zinta had already dismissed the dating rumours. Back in 2010, she took to social media to clear the air. She was tired of the same stories repeating every year.
On X (formerly Twitter), she wrote:
“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.”
She also made it clear in 2010 that she was single and not dating any cricketer. In a strong post, she said she was fed up with being linked to her teammates. She added that when she does date someone, everyone will know about it.
Preity had also posted in March 2013 that Salman Khan and Brett Lee were two of her closest male friends. This showed that her bond with Lee was always about friendship, nothing more.
Brett Lee’s Personal Life and Marriages
Brett Lee has had an interesting personal life over the years. He first married Elizabeth Kemp in 2006. The couple had a son together. But after two years of marriage, they separated. Their divorce was finalised in 2009.
Later, Lee found love again with Lana Anderson. They started dating in 2013 and got married in 2014. The couple now has two children together.
Lee has always kept his personal life mostly private. But he has now made it clear that there was never any romantic link with Preity Zinta or any other Bollywood actress.
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Preity Zinta’s Personal Life and Upcoming Movies
Preity Zinta married her longtime friend Gene Goodenough in 2016 in Los Angeles. The couple welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, through surrogacy in 2021.
On the work front, Preity is making a big comeback to the big screen. She will be seen in Rajkumar Santoshi’s film Batwara 1947, which is set to release in theatres on August 14. The movie also stars Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, and Karan Deol.
The film is a historical drama that explores the emotional impact of the 1947 Partition. It focuses on themes of humanity, resilience, and relationships during one of the most difficult times in Indian history.
Preity is also part of Kunal Kemmu’s film Vibe, which is another project in the pipeline.
Fans React to Brett Lee’s Statement
Social media users have been reacting to Brett Lee’s recent statement. Many fans appreciated his honesty and straightforwardness. Some said it was good that he finally put an end to the years of speculation.
Others remembered Preity’s old tweets and said she had already told everyone the truth years ago. A number of fans also pointed out that the rumours were just media-made stories with no real basis.
The topic has been trending on various platforms, with many people sharing their thoughts on the long-standing gossip. Some fans also brought up how such rumours often affect the personal lives of celebrities and cricketers.
Also Read: Neha Bhasin Slams Bhumi Pednekar Over Her Comments on NEET Protestors’ Language
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