The History of Pune Warriors India and Why Pune Doesn’t Have a Cricket Team in the IPL
Pune, 23 May 2025: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has transformed cricket into a global entertainment spectacle, blending sports with showbiz and high-stakes business. Over the years, several teams have come and gone, none perhaps as emblematic of unfulfilled potential as Pune Warriors India (PWI). The team entered the league with significant ambition and financial backing, but its presence was short-lived, ending in an abrupt exit that left both fans and the city of Pune without a lasting IPL franchise.
The Emergence of Pune Warriors India
Pune Warriors India entered the IPL in 2011 as one of two expansion teams alongside Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The franchise was owned by Sahara Adventure Sports Limited, a part of the Sahara India Pariwar, which paid a record-setting $370 million for the rights . That was a clear signal of serious investment and expectations. The team was headquartered in Pune, with the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje designated as its home ground.
Although the team entered the league with strong financial backing and high ambitions, its journey was cut short, leading to an abrupt exit that left fans and the city of Pune without a permanent IPL franchise. The team failed to find cohesion and consistent form, finishing ninth in both 2011 and 2012, and eighth in their final season in 2013.
Disputes with the BCCI and Franchise Collapse
PWI’s troubles were not limited to the cricket pitch. The Sahara Group soon became embroiled in financial disagreements with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The core issue was the valuation of the franchise fee. Sahara believed they were being unfairly treated after Yuvraj Singh was ruled out due to illness and requested a player replacement fee reduction, which the BCCI rejected.
After pulling out of the 2012 IPL auction in protest, Sahara later rejoined following urgent negotiations. Disputes flared again in 2013, prompting Sahara to once more withdraw the franchise. By October 2013, the BCCI terminated PWI’s contract, citing breach of financial obligations and non-compliance with IPL rules.
Fan interest remains strong despite the lack of franchises in Pune, particularly among those interested in fantasy sports and betting. Bookmakers like 1xBet, known in India for massive sports coverage and local-friendly payment options, are complemented by platforms like Oddspedia, which offer fans information about bonuses that can be used during sign-up. These platforms offer additional ways for fans to stay engaged with IPL action, even in the absence of a local team.
Rising Pune Supergiant: A Temporary Reprieve
Pune briefly returned to IPL action when Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) was introduced in 2016 and 2017 to fill the gap left by suspended franchises Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Owned by the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, RPS included marquee names like MS Dhoni, Steve Smith, and Ben Stokes
RPS showed considerable promise, especially in 2017 when the team reached the IPL final but narrowly lost to Mumbai Indians. Unfortunately, this success was short-lived. Once the suspended teams were reinstated in 2018, RPS was dissolved, and Pune was again left without IPL representation (IPLT20Records).
Why Pune Doesn’t Have a Team Today
Pune is a major Indian city with a passionate cricketing fan base and a modern stadium, yet it still lacks a permanent IPL franchise. The primary reason lies in the troubled legacy of Pune Warriors India. The financial disputes and eventual fallout between the Sahara Group and the BCCI created an air of caution among potential investors, who remain wary of committing to a project that previously ended in controversy.
The BCCI’s approach to league expansion is another contributing factor. With ten franchises currently in play, the board is prioritizing sustainability and balance within the league. Any additions are likely to be considered only if they can enhance the IPL’s overall stability and profitability, making reentry more complex for cities like Pune.
Pune’s Cricketing Infrastructure and Fan Base
Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium remains a premier venue. With a capacity of over 42,000 and top-tier facilities, it continues to host international matches and acts as a neutral venue for IPL fixtures.
The infrastructure is IPL-ready, and the city’s residents consistently show up in large numbers, whether for India internationals or neutral IPL games. The city has a legacy in domestic cricket, contributing talent to the Ranji Trophy through the Maharashtra state team and nurturing cricketing enthusiasm through academies and grassroots tournaments.
Pune’s Future in the IPL
Pune Warriors India entered the IPL with high hopes and substantial investment, but a combination of lackluster on-field performance and unresolved financial disputes led to their premature exit. Their departure marked the end of a franchise and created a lasting void in the IPL’s representation of one of India’s key cricketing cities.
The brief return of Pune through the Rising Pune Supergiant revived local enthusiasm, yet it was only a temporary arrangement. Today, Pune continues to be sidelined from the league, not due to a lack of infrastructure or fan support. The reasons are more likely rooted in financial caution, previous complications, and strategic decisions by the BCCI. Still, the city’s readiness to host high-profile matches and its passionate fan base signal clear potential.
