Cricket fans across India will now have to shell out more money to watch Indian Premier League (IPL) matches live from stadiums. The government has decided to increase the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on IPL tickets from 28% to 40%, putting them in the highest tax slab.
This move categorises IPL tickets along with luxury goods, casinos, and betting services.
The steep tax hike means that IPL match tickets will now cost significantly more than before. For spectators, this is a direct hit to their wallets, making stadium experiences less affordable for many cricket lovers.
While regular international and domestic cricket matches continue to draw only 18% GST, IPL tickets alone have been singled out for the highest tax rate.
Fans who eagerly wait each year to watch their favourite teams and players live will now need to factor in this added expense, on top of stadium service charges and online booking fees.
Big jump in IPL ticket prices
The rise in GST has changed the final ticket prices considerably. A ₹500 ticket, which earlier cost ₹640, will now cost ₹700. A ₹1,000 ticket that was priced at ₹1,280 will now cost ₹1,400, while a ₹2,000 ticket has jumped from ₹2,560 to ₹2,800.
This sharp increase could impact stadium attendance, especially among younger fans and families who already spend heavily on travel, food, and other expenses during match days.
IPL is categorised as a luxury event
By placing IPL tickets in the same tax bracket as luxury products and services, the government has essentially classified live IPL viewing as a high-end discretionary activity. This decision may be driven by the league’s massive popularity, commercial success, and premium branding, but it raises concerns about accessibility for ordinary fans.
Team India’s normal match ticket will cost 18% GST
Cricket fans should note that the GST hike applies only to IPL match tickets, which have now been raised from 28% to 40%. In contrast, tickets for Team India’s regular international and domestic matches will continue to attract the standard 18% GST.
Relief for movie lovers as IPL ticket price hiked
Interestingly, while IPL ticket prices are going up, cinema lovers have received some tax relief. Movie tickets priced up to ₹100 will now attract only 5% GST with input tax credit, reduced from the earlier 12%. For tickets above ₹100, the 18% GST rate remains unchanged.
With the new GST hike, watching IPL matches at stadiums has officially become more expensive than ever. While die-hard fans may still pay the extra amount to cheer for their favourite teams, many others could now think twice before buying tickets.
- Agencies
