AI Firms Chase Cricket Sponsorships; Tata Consumer, Raymond Lifestyle Report Q3 Earnings

• AI platforms like Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT are entering cricket sponsorships, showcasing their ambition and cricket's brand-building power.
• Industry executives note that AI brands may not fully replace the sponsorship void left by real-money gaming (RMG) companies due to regulatory changes.
• Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) reported a 34% year-on-year increase in Q3 FY26 consolidated net profit to Rs 403 crore, driven by volume growth.
• Raymond Lifestyle Limited saw a 33% decline in Q3 FY26 net profit to Rs 42.86 crore, primarily due to pressure on its international business from higher US tariffs.
• Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA) blocked three Telegram groups with over 13,500 members for promoting illegal online gambling, intensifying enforcement against unregulated platforms. Karnataka Labour Department established a welfare board for gig workers, mandating aggregators to pay a welfare fee of 1-1.5% under the Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Act, 2025.

Why It Matters: AI firms are investing in cricket sponsorships, while major companies report mixed Q3 earnings and states tackle online gaming and gig worker welfare.