Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Mohit Burman believes that the Indian Premier League (IPL) requires an extended 12-16 week window to reach the brand value of major global leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and the Premier League.
He emphasized that a dedicated time frame would ensure the participation of top international players without scheduling conflicts. The 2025 IPL season ran from March 22 to June 3. Although the final was initially slated for May 25, it was postponed due to a temporary suspension of the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) went on to claim their first title by defeating PBKS in the final, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In a conversation with PTI, Burman strongly advocated for a longer IPL season than currently exists, underscoring its potential benefits for the league’s growth and global standing.
“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.”
“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… Player availability is crucial. We need a clean window where the best in the world can play without restrictions,” he added.
IPL Becomes World’s Second Most Valuable Sports League Per Match, Behind Only NFL
With a per-match value of USD 16.8 million, the IPL ranks second only to the NFL, which leads at USD 36.8 million. However, the IPL operates within an approximately eight-week window, whereas the NBA spans seven months and the NFL runs for about four and a half months.
Burman also expressed the view that there is no necessity to take the IPL overseas. The 56-year-old further explained:
“The fan experience must keep evolving. It’s not just about cricket anymore — its sport, entertainment, culture all rolled into one. We don’t need to take the IPL abroad — what we do need is to build global relevance. Content, players, and stories that connect with fans across the world.”
The recently concluded season marked the 18th edition of the IPL, the premier domestic T20 league. Since its inception in 2008, the tournament has revolutionized global cricket, becoming a major financial and sporting force.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
