Google Doodle today: Doodle celebrating women cricketers at the ICC Women¡¯s T20 World Cup 2024

The ICC Women¡¯s T20 World Cup 2024 has arrived, and Google is marking the occasion with a special Google Doodle! The doodle is dedicated to women cricketers, as the tournament officially starts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With 10 nations competing for the ultimate prize, excitement is in the air. The first match takes place today at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, where Bangladesh and Scotland will face off.

Google Doodle Celebrates Women Cricketers

Today's Google Doodle showcases an animated image of three women cricketers. One player is batting, another is leaping to catch, and the third is celebrating a wicket. This fun, energetic doodle not only commemorates the beginning of the 9th edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup but also honours women cricketers and their incredible achievements.

Cricket has often been seen as a male-dominated sport, but the rise of women's cricket proves that women bring the same level of passion, skill, and enthusiasm to the game. This Google Doodle shines a spotlight on women athletes who have shown the world their strength and determination.

ICC Women¡¯s T20 World Cup 2024: The Tournament Structure

The ICC Women¡¯s T20 World Cup 2024 has divided its 10 participating teams into two groups of five. In the group stage, each team will aim to top their group to secure a spot in the semifinals. The top two teams from each group will proceed to the next stage, and the winners of the semifinals will advance to the final match. This year¡¯s tournament will be particularly exciting as Scotland makes its debut in the competition while reigning champions Australia aim for their 7th title.

A Rich History of Women in Cricket

While women have played cricket for centuries, they have not always received the same recognition as their male counterparts. The first recorded women¡¯s cricket match dates back to 1745 in Surrey, England, between the maids of Bramley and the maids of Hambledon. This game led to the formation of women's cricket clubs, encouraging more women to participate in the sport. However, historical records of women's cricket, especially those involving women of colour, are scarce, reflecting the inequalities that women have faced for generations.

This is why it¡¯s so important to celebrate the progress women have made in cricket. Legendary cricketers like Meg Lanning, Smriti Mandhana, Charlotte Edwards, and Suzie Bates have paved the way for future generations, proving that women can excel at the highest levels of the sport.

The Venue Shift: From Bangladesh to the UAE

The ICC Women¡¯s T20 World Cup 2024 was originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh. However, due to political unrest, the tournament was relocated to the UAE. Now, all 23 matches of the tournament will take place in the cricket-loving cities of Sharjah and Dubai. The final, which promises to be an intense showdown, is set for October 20th, 2024.

As the ICC Women¡¯s T20 World Cup 2024 kicks off, this Google Doodle reminds of the incredible journey women cricketers have undertaken to gain the recognition they deserve. Let¡¯s cheer for our favourite teams and continue to celebrate the achievements of women in cricket!

What is a Google Doodle?

For those wondering, a Google Doodle is a fun, creative change to the Google logo. These Doodles celebrate special occasions, holidays, and even famous people. The tradition started in 1998 when Google¡¯s founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, added a stick figure to the logo to let users know they were at the Burning Man festival.

Since then, Google Doodles have become more elaborate, featuring animations and even interactive games like today¡¯s popcorn-themed game. The talented team behind these doodles, called ¡°Doodlers,¡± includes illustrators, animators, and engineers who make each Doodle unique and educational