"That’s a different game" - PBKS co-owner Mohit Burman on how IPL can match the brand value of NFL and other big leagues

Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Mohit Burman reckons that the Indian Premier League (IPL) needs a 12-16 week window to match the brand value of top sporting leagues like NFL, NBA and the Premier League. Burman explained that a clear window will allow the best players to play in the IPL without any restrictions.

IPL 2025 was held from March 22 to June 3. The final was earlier scheduled to be played on May 25, but had to be rescheduled after the tournament was suspended briefly midway. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted their maiden title by beating PBKS in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

In an interaction with news agency PTI, PBKS co-owner Burman batted for a much longer window for the IPL in comparison to the existing one. He said:

"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.

At USD 16.8 million, the IPL second behind NFL (USD 36.8 million) in terms of per-match value. However, while the T20 league has a window of around eight weeks, the NBA lasts for seven months and NFL for 4.5 months.

Meanwhile, Burman also believes that there is no need to take the IPL abroad. The 56-year-old elaborated:

"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 IPL was the 18th edition of the domestic T20 league. The money-spinner has proved to be a game-changer in world cricket even since its came into existence in 2008.

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Punjab Kings narrowly miss out on maiden IPL title

While RCB won the IPL title this season, having finished runners-up on three previous occasions, for PBKS, it was a case of so near yet so far. This was only the second time that the Punjab franchise had reached the final of the T20 league - the previous instance being way back in 2014.

Under Shreyas Iyer, PBKS played some fantastic cricket, with uncapped players as well as proven performers combining their talents. Punjab, however, stumbled at the final hurdle. Set a target of 191 in the summit clash in Ahmedabad, they were held to 184-7 by RCB.