Why Google Gemini Signed A Massive Rs 270 Crore Deal With BCCI
In a major turn of events for the Indian Premier League, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to receive a massive financial boost. Following a period of uncertainty caused by the withdrawal of major fantasy gaming sponsors, a new tech giant has stepped onto the field to fill the gap.
The shift began after the introduction of India's Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. This new legislation led to the exit of prominent brands like Dream11 and My11Circle, which were previously massive revenue drivers for the board. Seeking to recover these losses, the BCCI has successfully tapped into the booming world of Artificial Intelligence.
The biggest news for the 2026 season is the entry of Google Gemini. Reports confirmed on 21 January 2026 that the AI platform has signed a three year deal worth approximately £25 million (Rs 270 crore). This partnership marks a significant milestone as AI companies increasingly view cricket as the ultimate gateway to reaching India’s vast population of 1.4 billion people.
Google is not the first AI player to join the cricketing family. ChatGPT previously secured a two year deal for the Women’s Premier League worth roughly £1.5 million (Rs 16 crore). The growing presence of AI brands suggests that technology will be the new backbone of sports sponsorship in India.
The departure of Dream11 as the primary jersey sponsor initially left a significant void. However, the BCCI has proven its commercial resilience. While fantasy gaming companies are stepping back, stable corporate giants are moving in. For instance, Apollo Tyres recently secured a landmark jersey sponsorship deal valued at approximately £52 million (Rs 579 crore) to ensure the board's financial health remains robust through 2028.
As the 2026 IPL season approaches, scheduled to run from 26 March to 31 May, fans can expect a high tech experience. With 10 teams competing across 84 matches, the integration of AI like Google Gemini is expected to bring new dimensions to fan engagement and digital broadcasts. The board is also reportedly exploring further deals with global tech firms to maximize the tournament's per game valuation, which is already amongst the highest in global sports.
The shift began after the introduction of India's Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. This new legislation led to the exit of prominent brands like Dream11 and My11Circle, which were previously massive revenue drivers for the board. Seeking to recover these losses, the BCCI has successfully tapped into the booming world of Artificial Intelligence.
Google Gemini enters the arena
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The biggest news for the 2026 season is the entry of Google Gemini. Reports confirmed on 21 January 2026 that the AI platform has signed a three year deal worth approximately £25 million (Rs 270 crore). This partnership marks a significant milestone as AI companies increasingly view cricket as the ultimate gateway to reaching India’s vast population of 1.4 billion people.
Google is not the first AI player to join the cricketing family. ChatGPT previously secured a two year deal for the Women’s Premier League worth roughly £1.5 million (Rs 16 crore). The growing presence of AI brands suggests that technology will be the new backbone of sports sponsorship in India.
Offsetting the losses
The departure of Dream11 as the primary jersey sponsor initially left a significant void. However, the BCCI has proven its commercial resilience. While fantasy gaming companies are stepping back, stable corporate giants are moving in. For instance, Apollo Tyres recently secured a landmark jersey sponsorship deal valued at approximately £52 million (Rs 579 crore) to ensure the board's financial health remains robust through 2028.
As the 2026 IPL season approaches, scheduled to run from 26 March to 31 May, fans can expect a high tech experience. With 10 teams competing across 84 matches, the integration of AI like Google Gemini is expected to bring new dimensions to fan engagement and digital broadcasts. The board is also reportedly exploring further deals with global tech firms to maximize the tournament's per game valuation, which is already amongst the highest in global sports.
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