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The rapid growth of women’s cricket and the expanding reach of the Women’s Premier League have attracted fresh franchise interest, with Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman confirming his desire to enter the competition whenever expansion becomes possible. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India continues to stabilise the existing five-team structure, Burman acknowledged that owning a WPL side remains a strong ambition for the IPL franchise ownership group.

The Women’s Premier League, launched by the BCCI in 2023, currently operates with five teams. Three of those are backed by IPL franchises — Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals — while UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants complete the league lineup. Despite growing commercial traction, the BCCI is presently focused on consolidating the tournament before considering expansion or introducing a home-and-away format similar to the men’s IPL.

Burman, whose Punjab Kings ownership group holds a 48 percent majority stake, said the league’s rise has been difficult to ignore. Burman told PTI,

“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 clarified that not investing during the initial phase of the league should not be viewed as hesitation toward women’s cricket, instead describing franchise decisions as dependent on timing and strategic priorities. Burman said,

“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. Personally, I think the future of the women’s game is extremely bright. We would love to own a women’s IPL team."

The statement comes while WPL expansion remains under evaluation. League administrators have prioritised competitive stability and commercial sustainability before adding new teams. Even so, franchise interest appears to be building alongside the tournament’s rising visibility.

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The WPL’s growth has been reflected in both viewership and public engagement. According to available broadcast figures, the 2026 edition recorded an 11 percent increase in viewership compared to the previous season, with 34.5 billion minutes of content consumed across JioStar platforms.

This season’s final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals became the most-watched women’s T20 match on record, with RCB securing their second WPL title. Burman said the broader influence of the tournament extends beyond television metrics and into grassroots development. He said,

“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, and that changes the future of the sport entirely.”