Google’s Gemini strikes golden deal with BCCI

MUMBAI: Google’s artificial intelligence platform Gemini has hit a six in the sponsorship stakes, securing a Rs 270 crore deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League. The three-year partnership marks another win for AI platforms muscling into India’s cricket-mad market—Gemini’s rival ChatGPT is already padding up as a sponsor of the ongoing Women’s Premier League.

The timing couldn’t be better for the BCCI, which has been scrambling for sponsors since the Indian government sent real-money gaming platforms packing last year. Dream11, once a fixture on team jerseys, bowled out following the Online Gaming Bill 2025. Apollo Tyres stepped in to replace it with a heftier Rs 579 crore jersey deal, whilst Tata Group continues to hold the title sponsorship rights for the world’s biggest T20 league.

“The deal reinforces IPL’s global appeal,” a BCCI official told PTI, though one suspects the Rs 270 crore cheque doesn’t hurt either.

The AI invasion of cricket signals a broader shift in sponsorship patterns. When ChatGPT’s WPL deal was announced in November, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia waxed lyrical about partnerships spanning “global leaders in AI, manufacturing and beverages to trusted Indian consumer brands” shaping the fan experience.

The 2026 IPL kicks off on 26 March and runs until 31 May, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to open proceedings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium—which recently regained approval to host matches after a tragic stampede during title celebrations last June claimed 11 lives.

As tech titans queue up to sponsor cricket, one thing’s clear: in the battle for India’s eyeballs, AI platforms are playing to win. Game on.