13th ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 kicks off today: Google Doodle celebrates opener as India faces Sri Lanka

The 13th ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 officially begins today, and Google is celebrating the tournament’s start with a special Doodle. This tribute highlights not only the global significance of the event but also the rising popularity of women’s cricket around the world.

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Opening Match: India vs Sri Lanka

The tournament’s first match kicks off in Guwahati, with co-hosts India taking on Sri Lanka. The 50-over format competition features 31 matches across India and Sri Lanka, with eight top teams vying for the prestigious trophy.

The Women’s Cricket World Cup has a long history, first held in 1973, even predating the men’s edition by two years. Since then, it has grown into the most celebrated and prestigious tournament in women’s cricket.

India’s Campaign at Home

India is hosting the Women’s World Cup for the fourth time, having previously welcomed the event in 1978, 1997, and 2013. Despite reaching the finals twice, in 1978 and 2017, India has yet to lift the trophy.

Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, the Indian side opens its campaign against Sri Lanka. A key fixture against arch-rivals Pakistan is scheduled on 5 October in Colombo, played at a neutral venue following ICC regulations.

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Top Contenders to Watch

Australia enters the tournament as the most successful team, holding seven titles and looking to maintain their dominance. They face India in Visakhapatnam on 9 October. England, the second-ranked team, enters under the guidance of coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Other strong teams include New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies, promising thrilling encounters throughout the tournament.

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Tournament Venues and Schedule

Matches are being played across five venues, four in India and one in Sri Lanka. The tournament runs until 2 November, culminating in the grand final. Sri Lanka hosts all its league games except for the opener against India and a match against Bangladesh in Mumbai on 20 October.

India Squad Highlights

India’s squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 includes:
Playing XI: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud

Reserves: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare

The Excitement of Women’s Cricket

The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 promises high drama, competitive matches, and inspiring performances. With India hosting on home soil and the tournament featuring the world’s best players, fans across the globe are in for a spectacular sporting experience.

Whether you’re cheering from the stadium or watching via live streaming and broadcast, today marks the beginning of a historic campaign where nations clash, records are challenged, and the spirit of women’s cricket shines brighter than ever.