The wider picture
AI Mode in Search has revolutionized how fans engage with their favorite sports, particularly cricket. This innovative feature allows users to explore their passion for cricket and celebrate their teams through rich analysis. As the cricket season approaches, Google has announced a significant expansion of its Search Live capabilities.
On March 26, 2026, Google will roll out Search Live globally, making it available in all languages and locations where AI Mode is accessible. This means that fans in over 200 countries and territories will be able to have interactive conversations with Search in AI Mode, enhancing their experience and connection to the game.
The new audio and voice model, Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, promises to deliver more natural and intuitive conversations, further engaging users. This development comes as Google India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveil their partnership for the IPL 2026, integrating AI Mode directly into Google Search.
Devajit Saikia from BCCI stated, “IPL has always been the heartbeat of Indian Cricket, and this collaboration with Google India to integrate AI Mode into Search will fundamentally transform the fan experience.” This partnership is set to provide richer insights and a conversational cricket experience during the IPL, allowing fans to engage with AI Mode for tactical analysis and historical deep dives of players and matches.
Moreover, advertisers will benefit from Google’s generative video model, Veo, which allows them to create short videos directly within Google Ads. Veo can generate videos up to 10 seconds long from static images, catering to YouTube formats. This feature is particularly valuable as video content consistently outperforms static creative on YouTube.
Shekar Khosla from Google expressed enthusiasm about the new capabilities, saying, “With AI Mode in Search, we’re excited to help fans stay connected to the game’s pulse like never before.” This integration not only enhances the fan experience but also provides advertisers with the tools to create polished video ads in minutes without the need for dedicated production resources.
As the IPL season approaches, fans and advertisers alike are eager to see how these advancements will shape their experiences. Observers anticipate that the integration of AI Mode into Search will set a new standard for sports engagement, making cricket more accessible and interactive than ever before.
