Big tech giant Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform, Gemini, has signed a ₹270 crore deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to become an official sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
According to a BCCI official, “The deal is for three years and reinforces IPL’s global appeal.”
Gemini enters the cricket sponsorship arena just months after its rival ChatGPT secured a key sponsorship for the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL).
AI platforms are increasingly turning to Indian cricket to capture attention, boost brand recall, and tap into one of the world’s largest digital audiences.
This sponsorship opportunity arose after the Centre’s ban on real money gaming (RMG) led to the cancellation of the ongoing deal with Dream11.
Subsequently, Apollo Tyres replaced Dream11 as the jersey sponsor, paying ₹579 crore, while the Tata Group continues to hold IPL’s title sponsorship rights.
The IPL 2026 season, set to begin on 26 March, is expected to draw massive viewership across television and OTT streaming platforms.
For Google Gemini, the partnership promises precise audience targeting, measurable ROI, and high brand visibility during India’s most-watched cricket tournament.
AI platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT are rapidly expanding their presence in India.
By late 2025, India emerged as the largest market for ChatGPT in terms of users, and Gemini is following a similar growth trajectory, largely fueled by free access in partnership with telecom providers.
The surge in AI adoption in India is driven by the young population, affordable data plans, and fierce competition among tech giants.
Experts note that AI companies are increasingly exploring sports sponsorships to strengthen brand engagement.
Last year, Canva attempted to sponsor the Indian cricket jersey with a ₹554 crore bid, which fell short of Apollo Tyres’ ₹579 crore deal.
The government’s RMG ban wiped out nearly ₹7,000 crore of advertising spending, pushing brands to seek alternative avenues like cricket sponsorships.
