Match Highlights: Cricket, IPL teams among trends and most-searched sports topics – Key Moments

Cricket made its mark in Google’s Year in Search 2025, with the Asia Cup, ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and two Indian Premier League (IPL) teams featuring among the most-searched topics globally.

Released on Friday, the report highlighted the top trending global searches across athletes, events and teams, underscoring cricket’s growing digital footprint. The sport is set to return to the Olympics at LA 2028.

The Asia Cup, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 ranked from second to fourth. All three tournaments were won by the Indian cricket teams.

Asia Cup 2025 headlined interest after delivering three India vs Pakistan matches, including a dramatic final decided in the last over, thanks to Tilak Varma’s match-winning effort.

The ICC Champions Trophy, held after an eight-year gap, saw India reclaim the title with a win over New Zealand in the final. 

In the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, India lifted their maiden global title – a landmark moment for women’s sports in the country.

Meanwhile, Google’s ranking of most-searched sports teams saw two IPL franchises – Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals – break into the top five. 

Outside cricket, football and golf maintained a strong presence. The FIFA Club World Cup topped the sports events category while the Ryder Cup rounded out the top five.

In the athletes’ category, searches were led by American boxer Terence Crawford, followed by golfer Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland. American football stars Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Hurts and Canadian basketball player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander completed the top five.

Teenaged batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi was sixth-most Trending name globally — and the top sportsperson — and the most-searched in India under the People category. Priyansh Arya and Abhishek Sharma followed Vaibhav in the People’s list in India.

IPL was the top trend in India overall.

Google’s Year in Search 2025

Athletes

1. Terence Crawford (boxing)

2. Rory McIlroy (golf)

3. Shedeur Sanders (American football)

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (basketball)

5. Jalen Hurts (American football)

Sports teams

1. Paris Saint-Germain FC (football)

2. S.L. Benfica (football)

3. Toronto Blue Jays (baseball)

4. Punjab Kings (cricket)

5. Delhi Capitals (cricket)

Sports events

1. FIFA Club World Cup (football)

2. Asia Cup (cricket)

3. ICC Champions Trophy (cricket)

4. ICC Women’s World Cup (cricket)

5. Ryder Cup (golf)