AI enters IPL, BCCI names Google Gemini as new sponsor; bumper deal worth ₹270 crore

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized a new AI sponsorship deal for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ahead of IPL 2026, BCCI has signed a major agreement with Google’s AI platform, Gemini. The deal is valued at ₹270 crore and has been signed for a period of three years. From the upcoming season, Google Gemini will serve as the official AI sponsor of the IPL.

It is notable that Google Gemini’s rival platform, ChatGPT, is already among the sponsors of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Keeping this in mind, Google has secured a strong presence in Indian cricket through the IPL. Confirming the agreement, a BCCI official told PTI that the three-year deal reflects the global popularity and commercial strength of the IPL.

Last year, BCCI had to look for a new jersey sponsor after the Indian government imposed restrictions on real-money gaming platforms such as Dream11. Following this, BCCI signed a major ₹579 crore jersey sponsorship deal with Apollo Tyres, making it the new sponsor of the Indian cricket team’s jersey. Meanwhile, the IPL title sponsorship rights are currently held by the Tata Group.

As for IPL 2026, the auction process has already been completed. The tournament will be played from March 26 to May 31. Spanning over two months, the league is expected to deliver high-voltage entertainment for cricket fans. In the previous season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their first-ever IPL title. At present, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings remain the only active teams that have not yet won an IPL trophy.