The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signed a major sponsorship deal worth ₹270 crore with Google’s AI platform Gemini ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The agreement, which runs for three years, further underlines the IPL’s growing global commercial appeal. A BCCI official confirmed the development, stating that the partnership reflects the league’s ability to attract leading global brands. Gemini’s chief rival, ChatGPT, is currently among the sponsors of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL), highlighting the increasing presence of AI platforms in Indian cricket. The BCCI had been forced to seek new sponsorship avenues last year after the Indian government banned real-money gaming platforms such as Dream11. Following the ban, Apollo Tyres stepped in as the IPL jersey sponsor, securing the rights in a deal worth ₹579 crore. Meanwhile, the Tata Group continues to hold the coveted title sponsorship of the IPL, widely regarded as the world’s biggest T20 league. Gemini’s entry into the IPL ecosystem signals rising interest from artificial intelligence companies, which see Indian cricket as a powerful platform to connect with a massive and engaged audience. When ChatGPT’s partnership with the WPL was announced in November, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted the broader impact of such collaborations. “From global leaders in AI, manufacturing and beverages to trusted Indian consumer brands, this mix of partnerships will play a crucial role in enhancing the fan experience and driving the growth of women’s cricket,” Saikia had said. Also Read: 1st T20I: Suryakumar Yadav in focus as India take on New Zealand in key World Cup rehearsal The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 31.