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WPL Prep Key to India's T20 World Cup Hopes, Says Irfan Pathan

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the Women's Premier League (WPL) scheduled for early 2025 will be a major advantage for the Indian women's team ahead of the T20 World Cup. He states it will provide crucial match practice and create a strong backup pool in case of injuries. Pathan highlights the team's improved power game and high confidence following their recent ODI World Cup triumph. With momentum on their side, India is seen as a strong contender to win their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan: WPL to Boost India's Women's T20 WC Campaign

  • WPL as vital preparation
  • Improved power-hitting
  • Depth & injury backups
  • High team confidence
2 min read

Irfan feels playing WPL ahead of women's T20 WC will benefit Team India

Irfan Pathan says playing the WPL before the T20 World Cup will give India crucial match practice & injury backups, boosting their title chances.

"The advantage would be to play WPL before the WC. Their confidence levels are also very high. - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, January 1

As the Indian women's team enters a new year after having won their maiden 50-over World Cup last year, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan backed the Women in Blue to do well in the T20 World Cup and translate their ODI form into the shortest format, pointing out the improved "power game" of the women's cricketers.

Irfan was speaking on JioHotstar. Team India will be eyeing their maiden T20 World Cup title after the heartbreak of the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup final as they step into the year 2026 with fresh confidence after breaking the 50-over WC title drought. Having started their preparations with a 5-0 series win against Sri Lanka, all eyes are on Team India, who are in a tough Group A occupied by Australia, Pakistan, South Africa and two qualifiers.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan said that playing the Women's Premier League (WPL) in January-February, way before the T20 WC in June-July will help in Team India get plenty of options in case of injuries and also give them match practice.

"There will be a lot of options. In case there are any injuries, we will have backups. The group that we have right now, has not been there for the past eight to ten years. The advantage would be to play WPL before the WC. Their confidence levels are also very high, and it is not difficult to translate this form into T20Is as well. The power game of our women's players has also improved. So I hope all these factors come together and help us. Once we adapt to English conditions, it would be hard to stop India," said Pathan.

Also, former Indian pacer Varun Aaron said that for a long time, Australia was a "bogey team" that they could not overcome, and after having beaten them in the World Cup semifinals with a record-breaking chase, they would be feeling that "they can achieve everything".

"The momentum is with Team India at the moment; they have got a lot of support from fans and BCCI there is a very good chance, but Australia would be wanting revenge," he concluded.

Team India will be starting on June 14 against Pakistan at Birmingham.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Absolutely agree. The bench strength will be crucial. In a long tournament, injuries are bound to happen. WPL will help identify who can step up. Just hope the BCCI manages their workload properly between the league and national duty.
A
Arjun K
The power game comment is spot on! Watching Harmanpreet, Jemimah, and Richa in the last series was something else. They are clearing boundaries with ease now. The gap with Australia is closing fast. Bring on the World Cup!
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Sarah B
While I'm excited, I hope the focus remains on the World Cup and not just the WPL. The league is great preparation, but the ultimate goal is the trophy. The scheduling is tight; the management needs a clear plan to peak at the right time in England.
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Vikram M
The first match against Pakistan sets the tone. A win there and the momentum will be unbelievable. This team has shown they can handle pressure. After beating Australia in the semis, that mental block is gone. Waah, kya team hai!
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Kavya N
Varun Aaron is right about Australia wanting revenge. They won't take that semifinal loss lightly. Our girls must be prepared for an even fiercer contest. But with Shafali Verma at the top and Renuka Singh with the ball, I believe we can do it! 💪

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