Mohit Burman, chairman of the Dabur Group and principal stakeholder in IPL franchise Punjab Kings, has made a strong pitch for expanding the Indian Premier League season to a 12–16 week format—arguing that a longer, more immersive season is key to elevating the league’s global stature and unlocking deeper fan and commercial value.
Burman says IPL must evolve to stay on top
While the IPL is already the dominant force in global cricket, Burman warned that maintaining that position requires constant innovation and investment.
“The IPL is already the biggest cricket product in the world, but staying there means not taking anything for granted. Player availability is crucial. We need a clean window where the best in the world can play without restrictions.”
According to Burman, ensuring full availability of international stars through a globally recognized window is not only a logistical issue—it’s a strategic imperative for the league’s next phase of growth.
Making the case for a longer IPL
Burman believes a 12–16 week IPL season would help the league transcend from being a marquee event to a global media juggernaut on par with the world’s biggest sporting leagues.
“We’re already second in the world when it comes to per-match value, just behind the NFL. But overall brand value? That’s a different game. I think we need a 12-16-week window to get there,” Mohit Burman told PTI.
“That gives us space to tell better stories, build rivalries, and create more value for everyone – fans, sponsors, broadcasters. But it’s not just about length. It’s about what we do in that time – the kind of content we push out, how we engage fans year-round, how we build the league beyond the season. IPL has the scale. Now it’s about consistency and depth.”
A longer season, Burman argues, isn’t just about adding more matches. It’s about enabling the IPL to evolve into a content and fan engagement engine that keeps cricket fans engaged throughout the year, while building sustained rivalries and narratives.
“Build stronger rivalries, richer storylines, and deeper fan engagement – all of which are essential for long-term growth.”
Focus should remain on India—not exports
While IPL franchises are increasingly investing in overseas leagues like the CPL, ILT20, and The Hundred, Burman emphasized that the IPL’s foundation must remain rooted in India. Rather than diluting the product by taking the league abroad, he believes the focus should be on strengthening it at home.
At the same time, he supports the growing trend of IPL team owners expanding their global footprints to create consistent brand identities across geographies—an approach that, if executed well, could help franchises scale their commercial value.
Punjab Kings see returns on performance
Burman’s own franchise, Punjab Kings, made it to the IPL final this season for the first time in over a decade. That on-field success is already translating into commercial wins. The team has reported a 25% year-on-year increase in revenue, underscoring the strong correlation between performance and fan and sponsor interest.
As the IPL looks ahead to its next chapter, Burman’s call for an extended season and year-round engagement could shape the conversation around how the league evolves—and how it cements its place not just as cricket’s crown jewel, but one of the world’s most valuable sports properties.
