IPL 2025: Kavya Maran to Preity Zinta, List of female franchise owners in Indian Premier League 18

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As IPL 2025 approaches, the spotlight once again turns to the league's female franchise owners, who have often captivated fans with their presence at auctions and matches. Among them, the likes of Priety Zinta and Kavya Maran enjoy immense popularity.

Beyond the glamour, these women play a pivotal role in shaping their teams' strategies, making bold decisions, and redefining leadership in the cricketing world. Here's a look at the dynamic women driving the success of IPL franchises.

The Powerhouse Behind Mumbai Indians – Nita Ambani’s Winning Formula

Ownership stake: 100%

Nita Ambani, co-owner of Mumbai Indians, has played a crucial role in shaping the franchise into the most successful team in IPL history. Under her leadership, Mumbai Indians clinched five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020), establishing themselves as a cricketing powerhouse.

Beyond on-field success, she spearheaded the 'Education and Sports for All' (ESA) initiative, positively impacting over 100,000 underprivileged children. As a director at Reliance Industries, Nita oversees the sports division alongside her son, Aakash Ambani, making key strategic decisions for MI. Her presence at auctions and games symbolizes the team's ambition and stability.

Additionally, her global influence extends to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where she became India's first female member in 2016. With IPL 2025 approaching, Nita Ambani's leadership remains pivotal in Mumbai Indians' pursuit of continued dominance in the league.

Juhi Chawla & Jahnavi Mehta - KKR’s New Game Changer

Ownership stake: 45%

Juhi Chawla, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has been an integral part of the franchise since its inception. Alongside her husband, Jay Mehta, she holds a 45% stake in KKR through the Mehta Group, while Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment owns the remaining 55%, reported Sportskeeda.

Beyond her Bollywood legacy, Juhi is a prominent businesswoman, recently topping the Hurun India Rich List as the wealthiest Indian actress with a net worth of ₹4,600 crore.

Her daughter, Jahnavi Mehta, has emerged as a rising face of KKR, actively participating in IPL auctions and strategic decisions. She gained public attention during the 2025 IPL auction, with fans calling her the "IPL girl." Juhi has called Jahnavi and Shah Rukh Khan's children "the present" of KKR, signaling a new era for the franchise. With IPL 2025 approaching, their presence continues to add intrigue to KKR's ownership and leadership.

Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings – Passion Meets Power

Ownership stake: 23% _{as per TOI}

Preity Zinta has been a driving force behind Punjab Kings since acquiring ownership rights in 2008 alongside Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and others. Initially named Kings XI Punjab, the franchise was bought for $76 million and rebranded in 2021.

Zinta was the IPL's youngest and only female team owner at the time, actively involved in promotions and ticket sales. She once stated, "My involvement with the team is total. I am extremely passionate about our team and I do believe that I am the team's good luck factor."

Beyond IPL, she expanded into global cricket, co-owning the Stellenbosch Kings in South Africa's Mzansi Super League and Saint Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League. Recently, Punjab Kings has faced internal turmoil, with Zinta legally opposing co-owner Mohit Burman's alleged stake sale. This dispute, now in court, has sparked uncertainty over the franchise's future amid rising IPL team valuations.

Kavya Maran: The Charismatic Face of Sunrisers Hyderabad

Ownership stake: 100%

Kavya Maran, co-owner and CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has become a beloved figure among IPL fans. The daughter of Sun Group chairman Kalanithi Maran, she plays a key role in managing the franchise, as well as Sunrisers Eastern Cape in SA20. With an MBA from Warwick Business School, she oversees Sun TV Network's operations and has been the franchise CEO since 2018.

Maran's popularity soared in 2023, with her energetic presence at IPL auctions and games making her a viral sensation. Her commitment was recognized in 2024 when she received the Face and Force Behind Sunrisers Hyderabad award. She has spearheaded the team's strategy, including their successful bids at the 2025 IPL Auction. With a net worth of approximately ₹409 crore, she continues to influence SRH's trajectory. Her infectious enthusiasm, often captured on camera, has made her a fan favorite and a standout presence in the IPL.