IPL Franchise Owners Eye WPL Expansion Amid Women’s Cricket Surge
The Growing Appeal of the Women’s Premier League
Women’s cricket has witnessed an unprecedented rise in stature over the last few years, a trajectory bolstered significantly by the inception of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. This momentum reached a boiling point with India’s historic World Cup victory on home soil in 2025—a watershed moment that captured the national imagination and brought a massive influx of viewership to the women’s game. As domestic talent continues to flourish, the conversation surrounding the WPL has shifted from its initial establishment to its inevitable future expansion.
IPL Stakeholders Eye Investment Opportunities
The enthusiasm for the league is not limited to fans and players; it has caught the eye of seasoned cricket administrators and business magnates. Mohit Burman, the Indian businessman and co-owner of the Punjab Kings with a 48 per cent stake, has publicly expressed a keen interest in acquiring a WPL franchise. Burman’s comments underscore a broader confidence in the product the BCCI has built in such a short timeframe.
“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 in an interview. He further noted that the timing of investments is always a matter of strategic priority, but clarified that his initial non-involvement should not be mistaken for a lack of faith in the ecosystem. “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 BCCI Stance on League Expansion
While the appetite for more teams is evident, the governing body remains measured in its approach. Currently, the WPL operates as a five-team league, with three existing franchises already holding deep ties to IPL ownership groups. The competition has already seen a high level of parity and excellence, with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru securing two titles each, while the Delhi Capitals have displayed remarkable consistency by reaching every final since the tournament’s inception.
Despite the high-profile interest from figures like Burman, the BCCI is prioritizing stability. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has emphasized a strategy of consolidation. “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 explained. This cautious approach ensures the long-term viability of the league before scaling operations further.
A Catalyst for Global and Local Success
The impact of the WPL on Indian cricket cannot be overstated. For years, the Indian women’s team has been a global powerhouse, consistently reaching the knockout stages of ICC events. However, the introduction of the WPL has provided a professional bridge that was previously missing. By mirroring the success of leagues like Australia’s WBBL—which has been instrumental in grooming talent since 2015/16—the WPL is accelerating the development of young cricketers.
Players now have the opportunity to share dressing rooms with international stars, a factor that has directly contributed to the team’s composure in high-pressure situations, such as the 2025 World Cup triumph. As other nations follow suit—with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) planning to launch the WBPL later this year—the global landscape of women’s cricket is becoming more competitive and structured. The WPL, having established its footprint, serves as the cornerstone of this evolution in India, promising that the best is yet to come for the sport.
