Punjab Kings Eye WPL Expansion: Mohit Burman on Women’s Cricket Future
Punjab Kings Set Sights on Women’s Premier League Entry
In a significant development for the landscape of Indian cricket, Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Mohit Burman has expressed a clear desire for the franchise to join the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Since its inception, the WPL has transformed the ecosystem of women’s sports in India, and the PBKS ownership group appears ready to embrace this evolution. While the franchise was not among the initial five teams to secure a spot in the league, the long-term vision for the organization clearly includes a presence in the women’s top-tier competition.
The Strategic Vision Behind the WPL Ambition
Currently, the WPL is comprised of five established franchises: Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants. A majority of these teams share ownership with their Indian Premier League (IPL) counterparts, a model that Punjab Kings looks to eventually replicate. Speaking on the matter, Mohit Burman highlighted that the decision not to invest in the first cycle was a matter of timing rather than a lack of confidence in the product.
“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 noted during a conversation with PTI. He emphasized that every business group evaluates investment opportunities through the lens of strategic priorities and timing. “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, confirming the franchise’s intent to bid when expansion opportunities arise.
Navigating the Timeline of Expansion
Despite the enthusiasm from the Punjab Kings camp, an immediate expansion of the league may not be on the cards. Following the mega auction held last year, the IPL Governing Council has indicated a period of consolidation. Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal previously suggested that the league might maintain its current five-team structure for a year or two before opening the floor for new entrants. However, the commercial success and rising viewership of the WPL have made a compelling case for growth.
Punjab Kings is no stranger to global T20 investments. The ownership group already manages the St. Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), showcasing their capability to run successful franchises across different geographies and formats. This existing infrastructure and experience in the global T20 circuit position them as a prime candidate for any future WPL slots.
A Golden Era for Women’s Cricket
The rise of the WPL has coincided with a period of unprecedented success for the Indian national team. In November 2025, India secured the Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil, a landmark victory achieved under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur. The momentum is expected to continue as the team prepares for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England next month, with Kaur once again at the helm.
Burman pointed out that the commercial response to the WPL has exceeded expectations, creating a sustainable model for the sport. “The quality of cricket, audience interest, and commercial response have all exceeded expectations in many ways,” he said. Beyond the balance sheets, the impact on the next generation of athletes is perhaps the most significant takeaway. “Young girls today can see women cricketers as major sporting icons and viable professional athletes, and that changes the future of the sport entirely,” Burman concluded.
Immediate Challenges: Punjab Kings in IPL 2026
While the prospect of a WPL team is an exciting long-term goal, the Punjab Kings are currently grappling with immediate pressure in the IPL 2026 season. The franchise experienced a season of two halves; they began with an incredible run, securing six wins and a no-result in their first seven matches. At the midway point, PBKS sat comfortably with 13 points and looked like certain contenders for the playoffs.
However, a dramatic slump followed, with the team losing six consecutive matches. This downturn has left them stagnant at 13 points after 13 matches, placing their qualification hopes in severe jeopardy. The Kings have one remaining league match against the Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on May 23. To keep their playoff dreams alive, they must not only win this high-stakes encounter but also rely on other results across the league to fall in their favor. The focus remains split between building a legacy in the women’s game and salvaging a season that started with such promise.
