The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has once again demonstrated the Indian Premier League’s unmatched commercial power by securing a high-value sponsorship deal worth ₹270 crore with Google’s artificial intelligence platform, Gemini. Signed ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the three-year agreement highlights the league’s growing appeal among global technology giants and underscores the expanding influence of artificial intelligence within Indian cricket.

According to a BCCI official quoted by news agency PTI, the agreement “reinforces IPL’s global appeal,” reflecting the league’s ability to consistently attract marquee brands across industries. The deal also places Gemini alongside a growing list of AI-driven platforms that are actively associating themselves with cricket in India, a market that offers unparalleled reach and engagement.

AI Platforms Deepen Their Footprint in Indian Cricket

Gemini’s association with the IPL is not an isolated development. Artificial intelligence platforms have increasingly begun to view Indian cricket as a strategic entry point into one of the world’s most digitally active sports markets. Google’s Gemini now joins a landscape where its chief rival, ChatGPT, is already associated with the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the BCCI-backed women’s T20 competition.

ChatGPT’s sponsorship of the ongoing WPL was announced in November, a move that marked one of the most prominent AI partnerships in Indian sports to date. At the time, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted the broader implications of such collaborations, noting that partnerships spanning artificial intelligence, manufacturing, beverages, and trusted Indian consumer brands play a vital role in shaping fan engagement and accelerating the growth of women’s cricket.

“From global leaders in AI, manufacturing and beverages to trusted Indian consumer brands, this partnership mix will play a critical role in shaping the fan experience and supporting the growth of women’s cricket,” Saikia had said, according to agency reports.

With Gemini now entering the IPL ecosystem, the presence of AI platforms across both men’s and women’s competitions reflects a clear trend: technology companies see Indian cricket not just as a sporting event, but as a powerful digital and cultural phenomenon.

The IPL’s Unmatched Commercial Magnetism

Often described as the world’s biggest T20 league, the IPL has evolved into one of the most valuable sporting properties globally. Beyond cricketing excellence, the tournament offers brands access to hundreds of millions of viewers across television and digital platforms, both in India and internationally.

The ₹270-crore Gemini deal further strengthens the IPL’s already robust sponsorship portfolio. Currently, the Tata Group holds the title sponsorship rights for the IPL, a position that underscores the league’s ability to attract India’s most prominent conglomerates alongside global corporations.

Over the years, the IPL’s commercial structure has been carefully crafted by the BCCI to ensure long-term financial stability while remaining attractive to sponsors from diverse sectors, including technology, automobiles, finance, consumer goods, and now artificial intelligence.

BCCI’s Search for New Sponsors After Gaming Ban

The latest sponsorship agreement also comes in the context of significant changes within India’s advertising and gaming landscape. Last year, the BCCI was forced to look for new sponsorship options after the Indian government banned real-money gaming platforms, including fantasy sports operators such as Dream11.

Dream11 had previously been a prominent sponsor in Indian cricket, but regulatory changes altered the landscape dramatically. According to earlier reports by Mint, Dream Sports—the parent company of Dream11—had shut down its real-money gaming (RMG) operations following the introduction of India’s Online Gaming Bill 2025.

Real-money gaming platforms typically allowed users to deposit money in the expectation of winning monetary or other rewards, particularly during high-profile cricket matches. The new regulatory framework effectively ended this business model, forcing sports bodies like the BCCI to seek alternative sponsors that complied with government norms.

In the aftermath of the ban, Apollo Tyres emerged as the new jersey sponsor for the IPL, securing the rights in a substantial deal worth ₹579 crore. The move ensured continuity in sponsorship revenue while signaling a shift toward brands from more traditional and regulated industries.

Against this backdrop, Gemini’s entry represents not just a new sponsor, but a broader recalibration of the IPL’s commercial partnerships in response to evolving regulations and market realities.

Why AI Companies Are Betting Big on Cricket

The growing interest of AI platforms in Indian cricket is rooted in the sport’s massive digital footprint. Cricket fans in India are among the most engaged sports audiences globally, consuming content across live broadcasts, social media, fantasy leagues, and streaming platforms.

For AI companies like Google’s Gemini and ChatGPT, partnerships with cricket leagues offer an opportunity to showcase technological capabilities, build brand familiarity, and position themselves as everyday digital companions. Whether through enhanced fan experiences, data-driven insights, or interactive features, AI platforms see cricket as a natural testing ground for innovation at scale.

The IPL, with its global audience and fast-paced format, is particularly attractive. Its ability to blend entertainment, sport, and technology makes it an ideal platform for AI-driven brands looking to connect with younger, tech-savvy audiences.

IPL 2026: Schedule and Key Developments

The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on Thursday, 26 March, with the final set to be played on Sunday, 31 May. As preparations gather pace, several key developments have added to the anticipation surrounding the upcoming edition.

One of the most closely watched updates concerns Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their home venue, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. According to a Mint report, RCB are certain to feature in the opening fixture of the season at the iconic Bengaluru stadium after months of uncertainty surrounding the venue’s status.

The stadium has finally received clearance to host IPL matches and international cricket once again. The approval, announced on a Saturday, brings an end to prolonged uncertainty following a tragic stampede in June 2025 that claimed 11 lives during RCB’s IPL title celebrations.

In the aftermath of the incident, the venue had faced restrictions, leading to the relocation of several high-profile events. Even matches from the Women’s World Cup were shifted earlier due to the ground’s unavailability, highlighting the broader impact of the situation on Indian cricket’s scheduling.

With permissions now restored, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium’s return to the IPL calendar adds an emotional and symbolic dimension to the 2026 season, particularly for RCB fans.

Strengthening the IPL Brand Ahead of a New Era

The ₹270-crore deal with Google’s Gemini comes at a time when the IPL is entering a new phase of global recognition and technological integration. As digital consumption continues to rise, the league’s partnerships increasingly reflect a convergence of sport, entertainment, and cutting-edge technology.

By aligning with an AI platform like Gemini, the BCCI signals its intent to keep the IPL relevant in an evolving digital ecosystem. The partnership not only enhances the league’s commercial profile but also reinforces its positioning as a forward-looking sports property capable of attracting the world’s most influential technology brands.

At the same time, the parallel association of ChatGPT with the Women’s Premier League highlights the BCCI’s broader strategy of supporting both men’s and women’s cricket through innovative and globally aligned partnerships.

Looking Ahead

As IPL 2026 approaches, the combination of marquee sponsors, a packed schedule, and the return of iconic venues sets the stage for another blockbuster season. The entry of Google’s Gemini into the IPL sponsorship ecosystem is more than just a financial deal—it is a reflection of how artificial intelligence, digital engagement, and sport are becoming increasingly intertwined.

With the Tata Group continuing as title sponsor, Apollo Tyres holding jersey rights, and AI platforms making inroads across leagues, the IPL stands as a powerful example of how modern sports properties adapt to regulatory changes, technological shifts, and global market trends.

In securing a ₹270-crore, three-year agreement with Gemini, the BCCI has once again reinforced the IPL’s status as not just a cricket tournament, but a global commercial and cultural powerhouse.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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