Punjab Kings Interested in WPL Franchise: Mohit Burman Confirms Plans
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A Strategic Eye on the Women’s Premier League
The landscape of Indian cricket has undergone a seismic shift since the inception of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). As the tournament continues to shatter records and redefine the commercial viability of women’s sports, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) ownership group has expressed a clear interest in joining the fray. Mohit Burman, co-owner of the Punjab Kings, recently teased the possibility of the franchise acquiring a WPL team, marking a potential new chapter for the Punjab-based organization.
Currently, the WPL is a five-team competition featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants. Of these, the first three are extensions of existing IPL franchises, creating a synergy between the men’s and women’s wings of their respective brands. For Punjab Kings, the decision to not invest during the initial auction was a matter of timing rather than a lack of confidence in the product.
The Evolution of the WPL Landscape
Since its debut in 2023, the WPL has completed four successful seasons. The competitive balance has been fascinating, with the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru establishing themselves as early powerhouses with two titles each. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals have emerged as the ultimate bridesmaids, finishing as runners-up in all four editions. This level of consistency and rivalry has cemented the league’s status as the premier domestic women’s T20 competition globally.
“The WPL has already established itself as an important platform for the women’s game in a very short period of time,” Mohit Burman noted. “The growth of women’s cricket has been fantastic to witness. 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.”
Expansion Timelines and Strategic Priorities
While the appetite for expansion is high among fans and potential owners like PBKS, a new team might not appear on the horizon immediately. Following the mega auction held last year, the IPL Governing Council, led by Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal, suggested that an expansion is unlikely within the next year or two. This measured approach ensures the stability of the existing five franchises before the league grows further.
Despite the wait, Burman remains optimistic about the future. “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. This ambition aligns with the franchise’s existing global strategy. The PBKS ownership group is no stranger to international T20 leagues, already boasting ownership of the St. Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), proving their capability to manage and scale cricket franchises across different geographies.
The Rise of Women’s Cricket in India
The interest from major stakeholders like Punjab Kings is fueled by the unprecedented success of the Indian national team. In November 2025, India reached a historic milestone by winning the Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur. This victory ignited a national passion for the women’s game that has translated directly into higher viewership and commercial interest for the WPL.
With Harmanpreet Kaur set to lead the squad again at the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England, the momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Burman highlighted the broader impact of this success: “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. Young girls today can see women cricketers as major sporting icons and viable professional athletes.”
The Immediate Challenge: IPL 2026 Crisis
While the long-term goal involves the WPL, the Punjab Kings are currently navigating a turbulent period in the IPL 2026 season. After a blistering start that saw them secure 6 wins and a no-result in their first seven matches, the team seemed destined for a top-two finish. At the midway point, PBKS sat comfortably with 13 points from 7 games.
However, the second half of the season has been nothing short of a nightmare. The franchise has suffered a catastrophic collapse, losing six matches in a row. They currently sit with 13 points after 13 matches, meaning they have failed to add a single point to their tally over the last three weeks of competition. This slump has left their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
A Must-Win Finale in Lucknow
The road to redemption for Punjab Kings leads to Lucknow. On May 23, they will face the Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match of the season. To stand any chance of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs, PBKS must secure a convincing victory. However, even a win may not be enough; they are now reliant on other results to fall in their favor to navigate the logjam in the points table.
As the franchise looks toward a future that hopefully includes a WPL trophy, their immediate legacy depends on whether they can arrest their current slide and pull off a miracle in the closing stages of the 2026 season. Whether on the field in Lucknow or in the boardroom planning for WPL expansion, it is a pivotal moment for the Punjab Kings organization.
