Punjab Kings Co-owner Mohit Burman Eyes Future WPL Entry
A New Vision for Punjab Kings in Women’s Cricket
The landscape of Indian cricket continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) stands at the center of this transformation. Recently, Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman shed light on the franchise’s perspective regarding the women’s game, confirming that the organization is keen on exploring the possibility of owning a WPL team in the future.
Expanding the Cricket Portfolio
The Punjab Kings ownership group is no stranger to global cricket investments. Beyond their commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL), they maintain a significant presence in international T20 leagues, notably owning the St. Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League. Given this track record, the prospect of entering the WPL is viewed as a natural progression for the brand.
Mohit Burman, speaking to the media, emphasized that the decision to wait was never about a lack of belief in the potential of women’s cricket. Instead, it was a matter of strategic timing and business prioritization. The WPL has established itself as an essential platform for talent development and commercial growth in a remarkably short time, and the Punjab Kings are clearly taking note of its meteoric rise.
The Growth and Impact of the WPL
Since its inception, the WPL has exceeded expectations in terms of match quality, commercial interest, and viewership. Burman highlighted that the league is doing more than just providing entertainment; it is fundamentally altering the grassroots structure of the sport in India. By establishing women cricketers as genuine sporting icons, the league has provided young girls with tangible career pathways that were previously unimaginable.
The commercial appeal is evident, with major franchises investing heavily in their women’s wings. While teams like Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals have paved the way, the interest from other IPL stalwarts suggests that the appetite for expansion remains high, even if the immediate timeline remains constrained by current league dynamics.
A Look at the Current State of Women’s Cricket
The momentum behind women’s cricket in India is currently at an all-time high. Following India’s triumph in the Women’s ODI World Cup held at home in November 2025, led by the inspiring captaincy of Harmanpreet Kaur, the sport has reached new heights of popularity. With the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England, the focus remains firmly on the national team’s ability to capitalize on this wave of success.
Burman noted, “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.” This sentiment is echoed across the cricketing fraternity as the sport continues to shed old barriers and embrace a more inclusive future.
Immediate Challenges for Punjab Kings
While the aspiration to join the WPL is a long-term goal, the Punjab Kings are currently focused on the immediate, high-stakes environment of IPL 2026. The team’s season has been a story of two halves. After a promising start where they secured 13 points in their first seven matches—including six wins and a no-result—the team hit a significant roadblock.
The current form has been challenging, with the team suffering six consecutive losses. As it stands, Punjab Kings find themselves at a critical juncture with 13 points from 13 matches. Their path to the playoffs is narrow, requiring a decisive victory in their final league stage encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants, scheduled for May 23 in Lucknow. Beyond their own performance, they are also dependent on other results unfolding in their favor.
As the franchise looks toward the future, the ambition to participate in the WPL represents a broader commitment to the sport of cricket, even as they navigate the immediate pressures of the ongoing IPL campaign. For fans and stakeholders alike, the potential entry of Punjab Kings into the women’s circuit remains a development to watch in the coming years.
