Cricket fans will have to shell out more to attend Indian Premier League (IPL) matches starting later this month, as the government has revised the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on high-value event tickets to 40%, up from the earlier 28%. The hike comes into effect on September 22, 2025, and is part of a sweeping overhaul of the GST structure aimed at simplifying tax slabs and boosting revenue from premium services.
Under the new two-tier GST regime, featuring standard rates of 5% and 18%, a new 40% slab has been introduced for what the government classifies as “luxury entertainment,” which includes tickets to IPL matches, high-end concerts, and similar premium experiences.
Sharp Rise in IPL Ticket Costs
The steep hike in GST is expected to significantly affect the affordability of IPL tickets, which are already among the costliest in Indian sports. Under the revised tax rate of 40%, a ticket that previously cost ₹1,280 (including 28% GST on a ₹1,000 base price) will now cost ₹1,400, an increase of ₹120. Similarly, a ₹2,000 ticket will rise from ₹2,560 to ₹2,800, and a ₹5,000 ticket will jump from ₹6,400 to ₹7,000, reflecting an increase of ₹240 and ₹600, respectively. Beyond the base ticket price, fans may also face higher booking and stadium service charges, making the experience of watching IPL matches live significantly more expensive.
Mixed Bag of Reactions
The increase in ticket prices has faced backlash from event organizers and cricket fans alike, who fear that the higher tax could reduce stadium attendance and make live matches less accessible to middle-income audiences. Some franchise officials have expressed concerns that placing IPL tickets in such a high tax bracket likens the sport to luxury indulgences, potentially sending the wrong message about its role as entertainment. Similarly, many fans, particularly younger individuals and students, feel that the rise will make attending matches even more unaffordable than before.
Officials from the Finance Ministry have defended the move, stating that the 40% GST slab is intended to target discretionary, high-end spending while simplifying the overall tax structure for the general public.
The tax hike is likely to reshape how franchises price tickets and how fans experience the IPL. While television and streaming viewership may remain unaffected, in-stadium turnout could see a drop, unless franchises or state governments offer subsidies or rebates.
With the next IPL season just months away, teams, sponsors, and fans alike are watching closely to see how the new tax dynamics will play out.
