IPL Franchise Owners Eye Expansion Into WPL as Interest Grows
The Growing Influence of the Women’s Premier League
Women’s cricket has witnessed an extraordinary surge in momentum over the past few years. Since the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) season in 2023, the landscape of the sport in India has undergone a transformative shift. This evolution was punctuated by India’s triumphant World Cup victory on home soil in 2025—a landmark moment that captured the imagination of the nation and brought unprecedented viewership to the women’s game.
Image Credits: BCCI
As domestic talent continues to blossom, it has become increasingly evident that the WPL is poised for growth. While the league currently operates with five teams, industry insiders and franchise owners are already looking toward the future. The success of the current structure has piqued the interest of major stakeholders, many of whom already hold significant footprints in the men’s Indian Premier League (IPL).
Punjab Kings Ownership Eyes WPL Investment
One of the most notable voices in this conversation is Indian businessman Mohit Burman. As a co-owner holding a 48 percent stake in the Punjab Kings, Burman has openly signaled his desire to enter the women’s T20 space. His enthusiasm reflects a broader confidence in the product the BCCI has built in such a short window.
“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 stated. Addressing the timing of potential investments, he noted that every corporate group evaluates strategic priorities differently, but emphasized that a lack of initial investment should not be misconstrued as a lack of belief in the sport’s potential. “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.
The Current State of WPL Expansion
Currently, the WPL features five franchises, with three of those teams owned by groups that also operate IPL sides. The competitive balance has been robust, with the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing two titles each, while the Delhi Capitals have remained a constant presence in the finals.
Despite the appetite for expansion from potential investors like Burman, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is opting for a measured approach. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has emphasized the need for stability. “To further strengthen this tournament for the time being, we want to consolidate before we take a call on further addition of any team. There are no immediate plans [to add new teams],” Dhumal stated, clarifying that the current focus is on nurturing the existing ecosystem rather than rapid scaling.
Impact on Indian Women’s Cricket
The role of the WPL in professionalizing Indian women’s cricket cannot be overstated. For years, the Indian women’s team has consistently ranked among the top four nations, frequently reaching the knockout stages of ICC tournaments. However, the introduction of a high-intensity franchise league has provided a critical bridge between domestic cricket and the international stage.
This model mirrors the success seen in other major cricket nations. Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), active since 2015, has long been the gold standard for grooming young talent through exposure to elite international players. With similar leagues like The Hundred in England and the upcoming WBPL in Bangladesh, the global standard for women’s cricket is rising rapidly.
The impact in India is already tangible. Players who have participated in the WPL have demonstrated newfound composure in high-pressure situations, a trait that was clearly visible during India’s successful 2025 World Cup campaign. As the league continues to mature, it is likely to remain the primary catalyst for talent development, securing the future of the sport for generations to come.
