IPL Franchise Owners Eye Expansion Into WPL: Growth and Future Prospects
The Meteoric Rise of the Women’s Premier League
Women’s cricket has witnessed an unprecedented surge in popularity and professional recognition 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 evolution reached a fever pitch following India’s spectacular World Cup victory on home soil in 2025—a landmark achievement that served as a watershed moment for the nation, drawing record-breaking viewership and solidified the sport’s place in the public consciousness.
Investment Interest from IPL Stalwarts
The success of the WPL has not gone unnoticed by the business magnates already involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Among the most notable voices expressing interest is Mohit Burman, the Chairman of Dabur and a key stakeholder in the Punjab Kings franchise. With a 48 per cent stake in the Punjab-based team, Burman has openly praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for providing a robust platform that empowers female cricketers.
Speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Burman emphasized the strategic value of the 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.” He clarified that while his group did not invest initially, this was purely a matter of timing and strategic prioritization. “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 Current State of League Expansion
While the appetite for investment is growing, the structure of the WPL remains stable for the time being. Currently, the league consists of five teams, with several existing IPL franchises already holding stakes. The competitive landscape has been fierce, with the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru claiming two titles each, while the Delhi Capitals have showcased remarkable consistency by reaching every final since the league’s inception.
Despite the vocal interest from figures like Burman, the BCCI is exercising caution. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has clarified that there are no immediate plans to expand the number of teams. The governing body’s primary objective is to consolidate the league’s success and ensure the current model is robust before considering any additions to the roster.
The Impact on Indian Women’s Cricket
For years, the Indian women’s team has been a formidable force, consistently reaching the knockout stages of ICC events. However, the introduction of the WPL has provided a missing link: a professional pathway that mirrors the successful model of the men’s game. This mirrors the trajectory of Australian cricket, which utilized the WBBL—established in 2015/16—to nurture young talent and integrate them into a high-pressure, international-standard environment.
The impact of this structure is already evident. Players have noted that the experience gained in the WPL helped them handle the high-pressure moments of the recent World Cup with poise and tactical awareness. This success is not isolated; global cricket is seeing a wider trend of professionalization. From England’s The Hundred to the upcoming WBPL in Bangladesh, the global ecosystem for women’s T20 cricket is expanding rapidly.
As the sport continues to evolve, the synergy between IPL owners and the WPL promises a bright future. Whether or not expansion happens in the immediate term, the growing commercial interest is a testament to the fact that women’s cricket is no longer just a growing game—it is a global powerhouse that is here to stay.
