From cricket to AI: what Pakistan and the world searched for in 2025

WEB DESK: As the year 2025 bids goodbye, here is what the Google Trends data for 2025 offer, revealing snapshot of public curiosity in Pakistan and across the world, showing what people turned to search engines for amid political uncertainty, climate emergencies, sporting rivalries, rapid technological change and a steady appetite for entertainment and everyday information.

Cricket dominates Pakistan’s searches

Cricket once again reigned supreme in Pakistan’s top Google searches for 2025, underlining the sport’s central place in national life. Bilateral series such as Pakistan vs South Africa and Pakistan vs New Zealand, along with the ever-polarising Pakistan vs India contests, drove sustained interest. The Pakistan Super League and the Asia Cup also ranked high, reflecting both domestic enthusiasm and regional rivalries that continue to draw massive audiences on and off the field.

Alongside teams and tournaments, several cricketers trended strongly. Searches for Abhishek Sharma, Hassan Nawaz, Irfan Khan Niazi, Sahibzada Farhan and Muhammad Abbas suggest fans closely followed emerging talent and key performances throughout the year.

Local issues shape national curiosity

Beyond sport, Pakistanis turned to Google to make sense of pressing local developments. The Punjab Socio-Economic Registry and the Asaan Karobar Card featured prominently as citizens sought information on welfare initiatives and economic relief. Climate-related crises also loomed large, with Karachi floods and the flood situation near the Chenab River driving spikes in searches.

Regional geopolitics were not far behind. Searches related to Iran indicated public concern over developments across the western border and their potential implications for Pakistan.

Tech, food and everyday “how-to” questions

Technology searches highlighted a growing appetite for digital tools and platforms, with Gemini, DeepSeek, Tamasha, myco and On4t among the most searched terms. Meanwhile, lifestyle queries reflected everyday needs and aspirations, from sandwich, quinoa and sweet dish recipes to practical questions such as how to check e-challan in Karachi, how to invest in the crypto market, and how to invest in the stock market.

Pakistani television continued to command attention as well, with dramas like Sher, Judwaa, Aas Paas, Naqaab and Mohra trending nationwide.

Global searches: politics, pop culture and AI

Globally, 2025 searches revealed a year shaped by political upheaval, entertainment and rapid technological change. Gemini topped worldwide searches, underscoring the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence. Major sporting events such as India vs England, India vs Australia and the Club World Cup also featured prominently.

News-related searches were driven by dramatic developments, including the Charlie Kirk assassination, tensions involving Iran, a US government shutdown, the election of a new Pope, and devastating LA fires. In entertainment, audiences gravitated towards films like Anora, Superman and the Minecraft Movie, TV shows such as Squid Game 3 and Severance, and music from artists including Bad Bunny and Taylor Swift.

Together, the trends paint a picture of a year in which Pakistan’s everyday concerns intersected with a world increasingly shaped by global crises, culture and technology.