WPL Set to Enhance India's Chances in T20 World Cup 2026

WPL a 'Big Advantage' Ahead of T20 World Cup

Irfan Pathan, a former Indian cricketer, emphasized the significance of the upcoming Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 season in enhancing the Indian women's cricket team's prospects for the ICC T20 World Cup. The players will enter the WPL following their historic ODI World Cup victory in 2025, marking their first World Championship title. The Women in Blue are determined to carry their ODI success into the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to commence on June 12 in England and Wales.

During a discussion on the JioStar show 'Follow The Blues', Pathan remarked that the timing of the WPL before the T20 World Cup allows players to gain valuable match experience and confidence. He stated, "The girls are now playing significantly more cricket, which provides the team with various options, especially in case of injuries, as there are ready-made backups. The current talent pool is something we didn't witness a decade ago. The proximity of the WPL to the World Cup is a major advantage, as it equips them with both game time and confidence. Transitioning from one format to another is no longer a daunting task, especially given the improvements in their power game. If they quickly adapt to the conditions in England, they should find it manageable."

'Barrier Broken' After ODI World Cup Triumph

The Indian women's team made history by defeating Australia in a thrilling semifinal during the 2025 ODI World Cup, eliminating the seven-time champions and ultimately securing their first World Cup title against South Africa. Varun Aaron, another former Indian cricketer, noted that this victory, particularly over Australia, has shattered a long-standing mental barrier and significantly boosted the team's confidence.

With increasing momentum, enthusiastic fan support, and strong backing from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Aaron believes the women's team now has a solid opportunity to clinch their first T20 World Cup. He remarked, "Australia has traditionally been a challenging opponent for India, but overcoming them in that semifinal felt like a significant breakthrough. With that obstacle behind them, this group will feel empowered to achieve anything. The momentum surrounding the Indian women's team, along with fan support and BCCI backing, positions them well for a T20 World Cup victory, although Australia will undoubtedly be eager to reclaim their dominance."