IPL Franchise Owners Eye Expansion Into WPL: Future of Women’s Cricket

The Growing Momentum of Women’s Cricket in India

Women’s cricket has witnessed a historic surge in popularity over the past few years. Since the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023, the landscape of the sport in India has undergone a transformative shift. This growth reached a fever pitch following India’s monumental victory in the 2025 World Cup on home soil—a watershed moment that captured the imagination of the nation and brought unprecedented viewership to the women’s game.

The influx of talent from the domestic circuit has been exceptional, proving that the foundation for professional women’s cricket is stronger than ever. With such a robust pipeline of young cricketers, it has become increasingly clear that the WPL will eventually need to expand beyond its current five-team format to accommodate the growing interest and depth of talent.

IPL Owners Eyeing the WPL

Even before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced any expansion plans, the appetite for investment is palpable. Business leaders who already possess skin in the game through IPL ownership are openly discussing their ambitions to bring their franchises into the women’s fold.

Mohit Burman, the Indian businessman and co-owner of the Punjab Kings, has recently spoken about his keen interest in acquiring a WPL side. Praising the BCCI for creating a world-class platform, Burman believes the infrastructure provided has been instrumental in the rapid professionalization of the women’s game. In a statement, he noted, “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.”

Addressing the business side of the expansion, Burman added: “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.”

Current State and BCCI’s Stance on Expansion

Currently, the WPL features five teams, with three owners already having established, successful IPL counterparts. The league has seen dominant performances from the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, each securing two titles, while the Delhi Capitals have remained a consistent force by reaching every final since the league’s inception.

Despite the evident interest from major stakeholders like Burman, the BCCI is opting for a measured approach. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has emphasized that the primary goal right now is stability. “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 stated.

The Impact of Global Models

The success of the WPL mirrors international trends, particularly the influence of Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), which has been a gold standard since 2015/16. The presence of international players in domestic leagues has proven to be a vital ingredient in grooming younger talent, a strategy that Australia has leveraged to maintain its powerhouse status.

India’s recent success in the 2025 World Cup is often attributed to the mental toughness and exposure gained through the WPL. By competing against the best in the world in a high-pressure environment, Indian players have shed their hesitation in crunch moments. This professional development model is being adopted globally, with other nations like England (The Hundred), the West Indies (WCPL), and New Zealand (Super Smash) investing heavily in their respective women’s structures. Even the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is set to launch the WBPL, highlighting how the T20 league model is becoming the heartbeat of modern cricket development.

As the WPL continues to evolve, the combination of strong domestic depth, international exposure, and corporate backing suggests a future where the tournament will remain the cornerstone of women’s cricket for years to come.