BCCI inks ₹270-crore sponsorship deal with Google’s Gemini ahead of 2026 IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signed a lucrative sponsorship deal worth ₹270 crore from Google’s AI platform Gemini ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL).
Gemini’s rival ChatGPT is one of the sponsors of the ongoing Women’s Premier League, highlighting the growing interest of AI platforms in Indian cricket, further highlighted by the latest sponsorship deal involving Gemini.
“The agreement is for three years and strengthens the global appeal of IPL,” a BCCI official told news agency PTI.
BCCI is looking for jersey sponsors
BCCI had to look for a new jersey sponsor last year after the Indian government banned real money gaming platforms such as Dream11, leading to their closure. Eventually Apollo Tires replaced Dream11 as jersey sponsor and secured the jersey rights. ₹579 crore.
Dream Sports, the parent company of fantasy gaming giant Dream11, has reportedly shut down its real money gaming (RMG) operations in the wake of India’s new Online Gaming Act 2025. Mint It was previously reported.
Online money games were played by depositing money with the expectation of winning money and other prizes, especially during cricket matches.
Currently, Tata Group has the title sponsorship rights of IPL, the world’s biggest T20 league.
ChatGPT’s relationship with WPL
According to the news agency, when ChatGPT’s partnership with WPL was announced in November, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had spoken about the importance of the partnership.
“From global leaders in AI, manufacturing and beverage to trusted Indian consumer brands, this mix of partnerships will play a critical role in shaping the fan experience and supporting the growth of women’s cricket,” he said.
When is IPL?
IPL 2026 will start on Thursday, March 26, and the final will be played on Sunday, May 31.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are certain to play in their opening match; However, it is not yet clear whether the match will be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Traditionally, the first match of the IPL season is played at the home ground of the defending champions, but the accessibility of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is yet to be confirmed.
Chinnaswamy Stadium did not host any matches after a stampede outside the RCB ground during victory celebrations last year, resulting in 11 deaths. Even Women’s World Cup matches were postponed due to unavailability of venues. Mint reported.
