The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has landed a major sponsorship agreement worth Rs 270 crore with Google’s AI platform Gemini ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), underlining the league’s growing appeal among global technology giants.
The 3-year deal further solidifies IPL’s commercial footprint and reflects its unmatched reach in the cricketing sphere. The agreement not only brings significant revenue but also highlights the IPL’s status as one of the most attractive sporting properties globally.
Interestingly, Gemini’s rival ChatGPT is already associated with the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL), marking a notable trend of artificial intelligence platforms investing heavily in Indian cricket. The involvement of competing AI brands across the IPL and WPL signals the sport’s expanding influence beyond traditional sponsorship categories.
The BCCI had been on the lookout for a new jersey sponsor after the Indian government banned real-money gaming companies, which led to the exit of Dream11 from that role. Apollo Tyres eventually stepped in as the jersey sponsor, securing the rights in a deal worth Rs 579 crore. Tata Group, meanwhile, continues to hold the coveted title sponsorship of the IPL, the world’s most lucrative T20 league.
The latest partnership with Gemini further reinforces the BCCI’s ability to attract top-tier global brands, even as sponsorship dynamics evolve. It also reflects the increasing intersection of cricket, technology and fan engagement, with AI platforms keen to tap into the massive Indian cricket audience.
When ChatGPT’s association with the WPL was announced in November, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had highlighted the broader significance of such collaborations. He noted that partnerships spanning global AI leaders, manufacturing giants and consumer brands play a vital role in enhancing fan experience and supporting the growth of women’s cricket.
