India women's head coach Amol Muzumdar has credited the Women's Premier League (WPL) with playing a 'massive part' in the broader development of women's sport in India, speaking ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup scheduled in England from 12 June to 5 July. Muzumdar made the remarks in a video posted on bcci.tv on Friday, 22 May.

Muzumdar on WPL's Impact

'I would say, not just restricted to T20 cricket, I would say overall development of women's sport. WPL has played a massive part, and I've been a witness to it in the last three years,' Muzumdar said. 'The three editions that I've seen WPL grow, it's been outstanding. The stadiums have been full.'

He emphasised that performing before packed crowds had a direct effect on player confidence. 'For any girl or any cricketer to play in front of a capacity crowd in a packed stadium, and if she can come up with some match-winning performances, I think the confidence level goes sky-high,' he added. 'I don't want to just restrict it to T20 cricket — WPL has played a massive part in the overall development of the sport in India.'

Satisfaction in Athlete Development

Muzumdar, who took charge as India women's head coach in October 2023, said watching athletes grow under his guidance has been deeply rewarding. 'If I do tend to see some kind of development, or if I'm involved in that athlete's growth and development, it gives me immense satisfaction,' he said.

'Sometimes the results come a little later, but if you have invested your time and energy with that athlete and if you can see the results, I think no greater satisfaction than that as a coach,' he added.

Playing vs Coaching: A Different Kind of Control

Reflecting on the shift from playing to coaching, Muzumdar acknowledged the psychological challenge of ceding control. 'I thought being a player was easier, because there are certain things that you can control. When I went in to bat, I was in control of things,' he said.

'But when I'm sitting outside, in the dugout, and if somebody else is walking on to the ground, I'm not in control of that. So, all you can do is just prepare well, plan well, and then pray well,' he noted.

India's T20 World Cup Build-Up

India's women's team heads into the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2025 in England with growing momentum, backed by three seasons of competitive WPL cricket that have sharpened the domestic talent pool. The tournament runs from 12 June to 5 July, and Muzumdar's comments suggest the squad's confidence is at a high entering the global stage.