Watching IPL just got more expensive for cricket fans now, due to the new GST tax reforms. From September 22, 2025, tickets for Indian Premier League matches and same sporting events will be taxed at 40%, up from the previous 28%. India Slaps 40% GST on IPL Tickets, along with casinos, race clubs, and luxury goods, creating a significant price jump for cricket fans across the country.
Under the previous system, a ₹1,000 IPL ticket had a 28% GST, bringing the total to ₹1,280. With the new 40% rate, that same ticket will now cost ₹1,400. That’s ₹120 more for every ₹1,000 spent, which is a 12% increase in effective cost.
India Slaps 40% GST on IPL Tickets
Here’s how the increase plays out at different prices
- A ₹500 ticket now costs ₹700 instead of ₹640, a ₹60 increase.
- A ₹1,000 ticket now costs ₹1,400 instead of ₹1,280, a ₹120 increase.
- A ₹2,000 ticket now costs ₹2,800 instead of ₹2,560, a ₹240 increase.
The new tax rate applies equally across IPL and other high-value sporting events, grouping them with sectors usually seen as non-essential or luxury. It represents a major change in how we tax sports entertainment, treating match-viewing similarly to tobacco or betting services.
GST reforms balance the revenues
While the GST Council claims this move is about revenue alignment. The India Slaps 40% GST on IPL Tickets to sharpens the differences between grassroots sports and commercial tournaments. The tickets to regular cricket matches remain at 18%, meaning IPL and similar premium leagues are uniquely impacted by the 40% rate.
This change is part of a wider GST reform focused on sin goods and high-end discretionary spending. For IPL attendees, this means higher ticket prices and a larger tax burden per match, not counting stadium fees and online booking fees.
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