Australian cricketer Brett Lee shares a "strictly professional" relationship with Bollywood actress Priety Zinta, says Lee's manager Neil Maxwell, dismissing as "false" the reports of an alleged link-up.

There were rumours when the bowler, who is a member of Preity's Kings XI Punjab team, looked at ease with the actress at an Indian Premiere League (IPL) cricket party.

Lee's manager Neil Maxwell has slammed the reports and Monday said that the cricketer's relationship with Priety was strictly professional, adding that the pair had been friends for years, Dailytelegraph.com.au reports.

"Brett presented her with an acting award in England some years ago and they've been friends since. She is a very intelligent lady and very nice too, " said Maxwell.