KRAFTON India has announced a high-impact collaboration between Battlegrounds Mobile India and IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, just ahead of the 2026 season.
The partnership introduces two brand films alongside franchise-themed in-game content as part of the BGMI 4.3 update, blending cricket culture with gaming. The films capture the unique fan behaviours associated with both teams-highlighting how deeply cricket fandom influences everyday life in India.
The CSK film showcases players whose in-game performance shifts dramatically after hearing a nostalgic match moment, reflecting the emotional pull of the team. Meanwhile, the KKR film portrays a group navigating daily chaos before uniting over a match, capturing the community-driven nature of fandom.
Beyond storytelling, the update brings immersive, IPL-inspired elements into BGMI. Players can access team-themed outfits, vehicle skins, custom locations, and reward-based features tied to both franchises-effectively merging virtual gameplay with real-world cricket excitement.
According to Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at KRAFTON India, the campaign aims to authentically represent Indian fan culture. He emphasised that while CSK and KKR represent different cities and identities, their shared passion finds a common ground within BGMI.
This collaboration reflects a growing trend where gaming platforms integrate sports IPs to deepen engagement, creating culturally relevant experiences that resonate strongly with India’s youth and digital-first audiences-especially during high-energy moments like the IPL season.
