The Indian women’s cricket team is charging towards their first T20 World Cup title with the perfect setup. Irfan Pathan just dropped a smart take on how playing WPL ahead of the women’s T20 World Cup will benefit India big time. He shared this on JioHotstar, and it makes total sense as we gear up for the big event in England. With their recent ODI World Cup win still fresh, this timing could be the game-changer they need.
Irfan Pathan’s Exact Words on WPL Benefits
Irfan Pathan feels playing WPL ahead of the women’s T20 World Cup will benefit India by giving them loads of match practice and backup options. He said there will be a lot of options in case of any injuries, and we will have backups ready. Pathan pointed out that playing the Women’s Premier League in January-February, way before the T20 WC in June-July, is a huge advantage.
He added that the current group of players has not been there for the past eight to ten years, so this depth is new and exciting. Their confidence levels are very high right now after the maiden 50-over World Cup win last year. Pathan believes it is not difficult to translate this form into T20Is at all.
Why WPL Timing Helps the Indian Women’s Team
Playing WPL ahead of the women’s T20 World Cup will benefit India because it gives four to five months of extra game time before the World Cup starts. The WPL 2026 will begin on January 9 in Navi Mumbai, and the first match will be between the Mumbai Indians and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It runs until February 5 in Navi Mumbai and Vadodara, which is ideal in terms of creating rhythm.
This break allows the players to loosen up and practice any combination without being pressured. If someone gets a niggle during WPL, backups step up and prove themselves, just like Pathan said. It is all about having plenty of options for injuries, which is key in a high-stakes tournament like the T20 World Cup.
Plus, the power game of our women’s players has improved a lot, as Pathan noted. Stars like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma can fine-tune their big hits in league matches. This directly boosts their T20 skills for the World Cup conditions in England.
Indian Women’s Recent Form and Momentum
We are 2026 with a clean series in the T20s against Sri Lanka with a 5-goal lead. That sweep shows they mean business ahead of the big stage. They also broke the 50-over World Cup title drought last year, ending years of heartbreak.
Pathan backs them to carry this ODI form into T20s easily. The momentum is real, with fans and BCCI support pouring in. Former pacer Varun Aaron echoed this, saying Australia was a bogey team before, but now India feels they can achieve everything after beating them in the semis.
This confidence from recent wins makes playing WPL ahead of the women’s T20 World Cup will benefit India even more. It keeps the winning habit alive through league cricket.
Tough Group A Challenges in the T20 World Cup
Group A looks tough with Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, and two qualifiers. India starts against Pakistan on June 14 in Birmingham. Then comes South Africa on June 21, another qualifier on June 17 or 25, and Australia on June 28.
Pathan says that once we adapt to English conditions, it would be hard to stop India. The WPL practice will help with that adaptation since T20 league games mimic World Cup pressure. Having backups from WPL ensures no weak links if injuries hit during the tournament.
Also Read: New Zealand to Launch IPL-Style T20 League NZ20 in 2027
Real Reasons It Works
The main reason playing WPL ahead of the women’s T20 World Cup will benefit India is the smart scheduling by the BCCI. The January-February league means players get 20-30 matches under their belt before June. This builds stamina, sharpens skills, and spots form players early.
Injuries are common in T20s with all the diving and power hitting. Pathan is spot on about backups. Young talents in WPL, like those from UP Warriorz or Gujarat Giants, can shine and earn a national call-up. This depth was missing eight to ten years ago, but now we have it.
Also, post-WPL, India tours Australia and plays England T20Is just before the World Cup. That sequence is gold: league practice, international tours, then peak form. Their improved power game means more sixes and quick runs, perfect for seaming English pitches.
