Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman has teased the possibility of the franchise starting a Women's Premier League (WPL) team.
Currently, the WPL consists of five teams - Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, UP Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants. The first three are owned by the same ownership group that owns their respective IPL counterparts.
With a mega auction held just last year for the WPL, it seems unlikely that an expansion will be coming within the next year or two. IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal had told PTI as much last year.
"We would love to own a WPL team" - Mohit Burman
Punjab Kings co-owner Mohit Burman spoke to PTI about the possibility of the franchise delving into the WPL. Like many other IPL teams, PBKS' ownership group also owns teams in T20 leagues of countries outside India. They own the St. Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League.
“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 told PTI.
“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," he added.
"The quality of cricket has exceeded expectations in many ways" - Burman
The PBKS co-owner went on to talk about both the increase in the quality and the commercial appeal of women's cricket, especially after the start of the WPL.
The WPL started in 2023 and has held four seasons since. Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won the tournament twice each, while Delhi Capitals have been runners-up in all four editions.
In November 2025, India won the Women's ODI World Cup held at home with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team. She is also set to lead the team at the Women's T20 World Cup in England next month.
“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," Burman said.
“Young girls today can see women cricketers as major sporting icons and viable professional athletes, and that changes the future of the sport entirely," he added.
Also Read: ‘Arshdeep Singh has been aggressive’: PBKS coach breaks silence on off-field controversies
Punjab Kings in IPL 2026
While the opportunity to own a WPL team is a thing of the future, the Punjab Kings have more pressing matters to attend to in IPL 2026.
After 6 wins and a no-result in their first 7 matches, the Punjab Kings have gone on to lose 6 in a row. Punjab had 13 points after 7 matches, and now they have 13 points in 13 matches.
Punjab Kings have one match left in the league stage of the IPL this year. They will face the Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on May 23. Apart from winning that match, PBKS also need other results to go their way to qualify for the playoffs.
