Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman open to owning WPL franchise

Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman has expressed keen interest in owning a Women’s Premier League franchise in the future, although the BCCI says there are no immediate plans to expand the competition to five teams.

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 percent stake in Punjab Kings, said the franchise sees huge long-term potential in women’s cricket and would welcome the opportunity to join 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,” Burman told PTI.

“When it comes to investment decisions, each 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 faith in women’s cricket.”

“I personally 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 of women’s cricket, crediting both the rapid rise of the WPL and India’s recent international success for generating greater public interest and inspiring the next generation.

India 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 favorites for the T20 World Cup in England next month, confidence in the women’s game continues to rise.

“The quality of cricket, audience interest and commercial response have exceeded expectations in many ways. What is particularly encouraging is the impact it is having at the local level,” Burman said.

“Young girls today can see women in cricket as major sporting icons and viable professional athletes, and this is completely changing the future of the sport.”

Punjabi kings they 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 of the established IPL teams, BCCI officials have maintained a cautious approach. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal he previously said the board wanted to consolidate the tournament before considering expansion.

Since its inception, the WPL has grown rapidly, with title winners including Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reinforcing the league’s growing commercial and sporting appeal.

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Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

May 18, 2026 12:21 PM IST