Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman has expressed strong interest in owning a Women’s Premier League franchise in the future, even as the BCCI maintains that there are no immediate plans to expand the five-team competition.
While the WPL has quickly established itself as a major force in women’s cricket since its launch in 2023, the tournament remains limited to five teams, with only three IPL franchises currently owning sides — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals.
Burman, who holds a 48 per cent stake in Punjab Kings, said the franchise sees immense long-term potential in women’s cricket and would welcome the opportunity to enter the WPL when expansion becomes possible.
“The WPL has already established itself as an important platform for the women’s game in a very short period of time. The growth of women’s cricket has been fantastic to witness,” Burman told PTI.
“As for investment decisions, every group evaluates opportunities differently depending on timing, strategic priorities and long-term business considerations. Not investing initially should not be interpreted as a lack of belief in women’s cricket.”
“Personally, I think the future of the women’s game is extremely bright. We would love to own a women’s IPL team,” he added.
Burman pointed to the growing momentum behind women’s cricket, crediting both the WPL’s rapid rise and India’s recent international success for driving greater public interest and inspiring the next generation.
India’s women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, created history by winning their maiden ODI World Cup last year, significantly boosting the profile of women’s cricket in the country. With the team now among the favourites for next month’s T20 World Cup in England, confidence around the women’s game continues to soar.
“The quality of cricket, audience interest and commercial response have all exceeded expectations in many ways. What is especially encouraging is the impact it is having at the grassroots level,” Burman said.
“Young girls today can see women cricketers as major sporting icons and viable professional athletes, and that changes the future of the sport entirely.”
Punjab Kings are not alone in their ambitions. Earlier this year, Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan also confirmed the franchise’s interest in expanding into women’s cricket in the coming years.
Despite the enthusiasm from established IPL teams, BCCI officials have maintained a cautious approach. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal had previously said the board wants to consolidate the tournament before considering expansion.
Since its inception, the WPL has grown rapidly in stature, with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru among the title winners, reinforcing the league’s growing commercial and sporting appeal.
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