BCCI signs a three-year ₹270 crore sponsorship deal with Google Gemini ahead of IPL 2026, marking a major commercial boost.
In a landmark move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has inked a three-year sponsorship deal worth INR 270 crore with Google’s AI platform, Gemini. Announced just ahead of the IPL 2026, this partnership positions Gemini as the official AI sponsor for BCCI’s international matches and select domestic events.
The BCCI’s decision comes amid fierce competition in the AI arena. This deal directly counters OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which partnered with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) this season, delivering real-time insights and fan engagement tools.
Financially, the INR 270 crore valuation also shows cricket’s commercial muscle. Recently, BCCI secured a INR 326.67 crore title sponsorship with Apollo Tyres.
Yet, Gemini’s pact emphasises innovation over mere branding. Spread over three years, it averages INR 90 crore annually, with funds earmarked for AI infrastructure, fan apps, and broadcast enhancements.
Read More: Apollo Tyres named India’s new lead sponsor
What will be Gemini’s role?
With Gemini entering the cricket field, it is set to embed AI deeply into the ecosystem. Early trials during the 2025 WPL have already showcased ChatGPT’s prowess. Fans have made queries like “ChatGPT, break down Smriti’s innings” via the official app, receiving instant stats, heatmaps, and video clips.
Although the official outline as to what the AI platform will offer has not been out yet, it is expected to give real-time insights. From live ball-by-ball analysis to predicting swing probabilities or batter strike rates, Gemini’s multimodal AI can be pivotal in an era where every industry is shifting to artificial intelligence.
Alternative to fantasy sports?
BCCI’s Gemini AI sponsorship emerges as a timely pivot amid fantasy sports’ sharp decline in India. The downturn follows the implementation of the 2025 Online Gaming Act, which banned real-money contests across the country.
The move has severely impacted platforms like Dream11, which once claimed a user base of nearly 200 million, largely comprising fans under the age of 40 who were drawn in through IPL cricket.
Fantasy apps exploded young engagement pre-ban, with social buzz, peer competitions, and event spikes during IPL seasons. But now, they’re limited to free-play modes. They’ve lost sponsorships (e.g., Team India) and transaction lifelines, potentially eroding the Gen Z influx that swelled IPL viewership.
Gemini positions itself as a free, skill-agnostic alternative. AI-driven insights like predictive matchups, personalised stats, and AR highlights offer fantasy-like thrills, team-building tips or “Dream Team” probabilities, without gambling risks, directly targeting the void for interactive youth fandom. While not replicating cash prizes, its real-time immersion could sustain engagement.
Read More: IPL tickets to get dearer, will attract 40 pc GST; international games continue to be taxed at 18 pc
Aiming for Interactive Cricket 2.0
The core goal? Democratise cricket. Traditional viewing often overwhelms casual fans with stats jargon, while Gemini will probably simplify it. A young viewer in Telangana could ask, “Why did Rohit bowl that googly?” and get a voiced explanation with visuals.
Yet, challenges loom. Data privacy concerns arise, how will the BCCI handle fan queries amid India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act? Integration costs could strain broadcasters like Disney Star and Viacom18.
IPL uncertainty
While confirmed for internationals, the IPL’s inclusion hangs in balance. Reports indicate “advanced talks” for opt-in features, but IPL’s chaotic schedule and sponsor overlap complicate matters. If greenlit, Gemini could further supercharge IPL’s ecosystem, perhaps via a dedicated “Gemini Zone” in stadiums for AR stats.
