Punjab Kings Eye WPL Franchise: Mohit Burman Discusses Future Expansion
Punjab Kings Set Sights on Women’s Premier League Expansion
The landscape of Indian cricket continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) are looking to be a significant part of that transformation. Co-owner Mohit Burman has recently shed light on the franchise’s aspirations to expand their portfolio into the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Despite not being part of the inaugural cohort of owners, the PBKS management is closely monitoring the league’s success with a keen interest in future acquisition.
The Current WPL Landscape and Expansion Hurdles
Since its inception in 2023, the WPL has operated with five cornerstone franchises: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants. A notable trend in the league is the synergy between the men’s and women’s circuits, with the first three teams mentioned being owned by the same groups that manage their Indian Premier League (IPL) counterparts. This synergy has provided a robust foundation for the WPL’s commercial and sporting growth.
However, fans and potential investors like the Punjab Kings might have to wait a bit longer for a seat at the table. Following the mega auction held last year, the immediate roadmap for expansion remains conservative. Arun Singh Dhumal, the IPL Governing Council Chairman, previously indicated that the league is unlikely to see new teams added within the next year or two, prioritizing the stability and sustainability of the current five-team structure.
Mohit Burman on Strategic Investment and Women’s Cricket
Speaking on the franchise’s stance, Mohit Burman clarified that the decision not to invest in the initial WPL auction was a matter of timing rather than a lack of confidence in the product. The PBKS ownership group is no stranger to global T20 leagues, already possessing a successful footprint with the St. Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
“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. He elaborated on the investment philosophy of the group, noting that every organization evaluates opportunities based on strategic priorities and long-term business considerations. “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 long-term intent.
A New Era for Women’s Sports in India
The success of the WPL has been bolstered by the stellar performance of the Indian national team. In November 2025, India secured a historic victory in the Women’s ODI World Cup on home soil, a feat achieved under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur. With the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in England next month, the momentum behind the women’s game is at an all-time high.
The PBKS co-owner highlighted that the commercial response to the WPL has exceeded all internal projections. Beyond the numbers, the league is fundamentally changing the career trajectory for young athletes. “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 noted, emphasizing the grassroots impact that a professional league provides.
The WPL Honor Roll and Competitive Growth
In its four seasons of existence, the WPL has already developed intense rivalries and a high standard of play. The trophy cabinet is currently dominated by two powerhouses:
- Mumbai Indians: Two-time champions.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Two-time champions.
- Delhi Capitals: Runners-up in all four editions, showcasing remarkable consistency.
The competitive nature of these four seasons has proven that the market is ready for more teams, which strengthens the case for franchises like Punjab Kings to enter the fray as soon as the BCCI opens the doors for expansion.
PBKS Face a Crucial Junction in IPL 2026
While the prospect of a WPL team is an exciting future endeavor, the Punjab Kings are currently grappling with immediate challenges in the IPL 2026 season. The franchise experienced a campaign of two halves: starting with a dominant run of 6 wins and a no-result in their first 7 matches, only to suffer a catastrophic collapse.
Punjab Kings have lost six consecutive matches, stagnating at 13 points for nearly half the season. They entered the mid-point of the tournament as table-toppers but now find themselves in a precarious position. Their final league match is a high-stakes encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on May 23. To qualify for the playoffs, PBKS must not only secure a victory but also rely on other results to fall in their favor. The pressure is on for the squad to break their losing streak and keep their 2026 title hopes alive.
