Will Playing WPL Before T20 WC Benefit Team India?
Synopsis
As the Indian women's cricket team gears up for the T20 World Cup, Irfan Pathan believes that the Women's Premier League could be a game-changer. With an emphasis on game time and confidence, he argues that the upcoming season will significantly impact their chances. Discover the insights from Pathan and former players on this crucial tournament.
Key Takeaways
The WPL is crucial for building confidence .
The current player pool is more robust than ever .
Overcoming psychological barriers is key .
Timing of WPL before T20 WC is advantageous .
Support from fans boosts team morale .
Mumbai, Jan 6 (NationPress) Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan asserts that the forthcoming season of the Women’s Premier League will be pivotal in India’s pursuit of their first T20 World Cup title, as the women’s team approaches 2026 following their long-awaited victory in the ODI World Cup.
Pathan believes that participation in the WPL will equip Indian players with the necessary game time and confidence ahead of the ICC tournament.
"The girls are now playing significantly more cricket, and that depth provides the team with ample options, especially in case of injuries, as they have ready-made backups. This current player pool is something we didn’t witness a decade ago," Pathan stated on JioStar.
"The key benefit is that the WPL occurs right before the World Cup, allowing players to enter with both game time and confidence. Transitioning from winning a World Cup in one format to another is no longer a major challenge, particularly given how much their power game has evolved. If they can adapt swiftly to the conditions in England, it shouldn’t be overly difficult for them," he added.
Former India pacer Varun Aaron remarked that India’s historic win in the ODI World Cup has eliminated a long-standing psychological barrier and instilled confidence within the team.
"Australia had always been a challenging opponent for India, but after the women overcame them in the final and clinched the title, it felt like a significant barrier was broken. With that hurdle cleared, this group will feel they can accomplish anything," Aaron noted.
“There is substantial enthusiasm surrounding the team currently. The backing from fans and the BCCI provides them a great opportunity to finally secure a T20 World Cup, although Australia will undoubtedly be eager for revenge,” Aaron emphasized.
Point of View
It is clear that the insights from Irfan Pathan and other former players provide a comprehensive understanding of the Indian women's cricket team's current landscape. The Women's Premier League's timing, right before the T20 World Cup, presents a unique opportunity for the players to refine their skills and build confidence. With the recent ODI World Cup win, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the team. It will be interesting to see how this translates into performance on the global stage.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the WPL impact the Women's T20 World Cup?
The WPL provides crucial game time and confidence to players, which can enhance their performance in the T20 World Cup.
What did Irfan Pathan say about the current Indian women's team?
Pathan emphasized the depth and options in the current player pool, which wasn't available a decade ago.
What psychological barriers have been overcome by the Indian women's team?
India's ODI World Cup victory has removed long-standing psychological barriers, particularly against teams like Australia.
Why is the timing of the WPL significant?
The WPL's timing right before the T20 World Cup allows players to gain essential match experience.
What are the expectations for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup?
With the support from fans and BCCI, there is a strong belief that India can finally capture the T20 World Cup title.
