IPL ticket prices to upsurge by 40%

Cricket fans across India will now have to shell out extra money to watch Indian Premier League (IPL) matches live from stadiums. 

The Indian Government has obvious 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 price significantly more than before. For spectators, this is a direct hit to their wallets, making stadium experiences less affordable for many cricket lovers. 

Though 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 that eagerly await 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.

The increase in GST has changed the final ticket prices considerably. An INR 500 ticket, which earlier cost INR 640, will now cost INR 700. An INR 1,000 ticket that was priced at INR 1,280 will now cost INR 1,400, while an INR 2,000 ticket has jumped from INR 2,560 to INR 2,800.

This sharp increase could impact stadium attendance, particularly among younger fans and families who already spend heavily on travel, food, and other expenses during match days.

By insertion 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.

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.

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 purchasing tickets.