The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has officially begun, with the opening match featuring defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Gujarat Giants (GG) in Vadodara on February 14. The tournament, known for showcasing the best talent in women’s T20 cricket, will span across four cities and promises a month of high-intensity action, featuring world-class players and rising stars.
Adding to the excitement of the tournament’s kickoff, Google has unveiled an exclusive cricket-themed Doodle, complete with an interactive ‘Mini Cup’ game that lets users experience the thrill of batting in a virtual cricket showdown.
Google Doodle Celebrates WPL 2025 with Mini Cup Game
In a nod to the growing popularity of women’s cricket, Google has introduced a special Doodle that features two animated birds playing cricket, equipped with a bat, ball, and stumps. The Doodle isn’t just a visual tribute – it links to a fun and interactive ‘Mini Cup’ game, where users worldwide can take part in a virtual cricket challenge.
How to Play the Mini Cup Game?
- Players take the role of a batter and face deliveries from a bird bowler.
- The game uses simple tap controls to allow users to score runs while avoiding getting out.
- The goal is to protect your wicket and maximize your runs before time runs out.
“Ready to play in the Mini Cup? Join fans worldwide to protect your wicket and score runs before each game ends. Watch out! You’re up against a real wicket-taker.”
Stay Updated with the WPL Schedule
Apart from being an interactive game, the Mini Cup feature also provides access to the complete WPL 2025 schedule, ensuring that cricket fans can stay informed about upcoming matches while enjoying the game.
Google’s playful and innovative Doodle underscores the rising stature of women’s franchise cricket and its impact on global sports culture.
WPL 2025: What’s in Store This Season?
Since its inception, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has rapidly emerged as one of the biggest T20 leagues in women’s cricket, attracting top players from around the world. With its third season underway, WPL 2025 promises to be more competitive, more entertaining, and more groundbreaking than ever before.
🔥 Opening Match – RCB vs Gujarat Giants
The tournament starts with a blockbuster clash between:
🏏 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Gujarat Giants (GG)
📍 Venue: Vadodara
📆 Date: February 14
⏰ Match Time: 7:30 PM IST
RCB, led by Smriti Mandhana, will look to defend their WPL title, while Gujarat Giants, with Beth Mooney at the helm, will aim to start the season with a statement victory.
WPL 2025 Teams and Squads
This season, five powerhouse teams will be competing for the prestigious trophy. Each squad is packed with international superstars and domestic sensations, making WPL 2025 one of the most talent-rich women’s cricket tournaments in history.
🔹 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Defending Champions
Key Players: Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh
Squad: Nuzhat Parween, Joshitha VJ, Richa Ghosh, Danni Wyatt, Kanika Ahuja, Sabbineni Meghana, Ekta Bisht, Kim Garth, Shreyanka Patil, Ellyse Perry, Prema Rawat, Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Wareham, Raghvi Bist, Heather Graham, Jagravi Pawar, Renuka Singh, Charlie Dean.
🔹 Mumbai Indians (MI) – Former Champions
Key Players: Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr
Squad: Akshita Maheshwari, Harmanpreet Kaur, Parunika Sisodia, Amandeep Kaur, Hayley Matthews, Saika Ishaque, Amanjot Kaur, Jintimani Kalita, Sajeevan Sajana, Amelia Kerr, Keerthana Balakrishnan, Sanskriti Gupta, Chloe Tryon, Nadine De Klerk, Shabnim Ismail, G Kamalini, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Yastika Bhatia.
🔹 Delhi Capitals (DC) – Consistent Contenders
Key Players: Meg Lanning, Alice Capsey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp
Squad: Alice Capsey, Meg Lanning, Sarah Bryce, Annabel Sutherland, Minnu Mani, Shafali Verma, Arundhati Reddy, N Charani, Shikha Pandey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Nandini Kashyap, Sneha Deepthi, Jess Jonassen, Niki Prasad, Taniyaa Bhatia, Marizanne Kapp, Radha Yadav, Titas Sadhu.
🔹 UP Warriorz (UPW) – Dark Horses
Key Players: Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Tahlia McGrath, Chamari Athapaththu
Squad: Alana King, Gouher Sultana, Saima Thakor, Chinelle Henry, Grace Harris, Shweta Sehrawat, Anjali Sarvani, Kiran Navgire, Sophie Ecclestone, Arushi Goel, Kranti Goud, Tahlia McGrath, Chamari Athapaththu, Poonam Khemnar, Uma Chetry, Deepti Sharma, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Vrinda Dinesh.
🔹 Gujarat Giants (GG) – Strong Underdogs
Key Players: Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Deandra Dottin, Laura Wolvaardt
Squad: Ashleigh Gardner, Harleen Deol, Prakashika Naik, Beth Mooney, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Bharti Fulmali, Laura Wolvaardt, Sayali Satchare, Danielle Gibson, Mannat Kashyap, Shabnam Shakil, Dayalan Hemalatha, Meghna Singh, Simran Shaikh, Deandra Dottin, Phoebe Litchfield, Tanuja Kanwer.
WPL 2025 Venues – A Multi-City Experience
For the first time, WPL matches will be played across four different cities, expanding the reach of the tournament.
✅ Vadodara – Hosts the opening match.
✅ Mumbai – Brabourne Stadium remains a key venue.
✅ Lucknow – Set to host multiple key fixtures.
✅ Bengaluru – Hosts the concluding matches, including the final.
Where to Watch WPL 2025 Live?
📡 TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
📱 Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (App & Website)
🕖 Match Timings: Most matches start at 7:30 PM IST
With Google’s Mini Cup Game adding to the excitement, and the best cricketers in the world competing, WPL 2025 is all set to be a historic season for women’s cricket! Stay tuned for match updates, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories from the biggest women’s T20 league.
