IPL ticket prices set to get expensive by 12% after new GST reforms increase taxes - Reports

IPL ticket prices previously attracted 28% GST under the old regimen.

Since the Government of India increased the Goods & Sevices Tax (GST) on high-end sporting events, Indian cricket fans will now have to spend more money to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches live.

IPL tickets, along with casinos, race courses, and luxury products, are now in the highest tax rate due to the significant rise. Official instructions state that the GST rise applies to “admission to casinos, race clubs, any place having casinos or race clubs, or sporting events like the IPL.”

The new rates, which will go into effect on September 22, 2025, are a component of a larger GST reform that targets high-value discretionary spending. The IPL tickets will now be subject to 40% GST rather than the previous 28% under the new GST regulations.

All IPL tickets and other expensive sporting events are subject to the same 40% tax, which treats them as luxury or non-essential entertainment.

Breakdown of how the GST hike impacts IPL ticket prices

A ticket costing Rs 1,000 was subject to 28% GST under the prior system, making the total cost Rs 1,280. The identical ticket would now cost Rs 1,400 at the revised 40% rate, which represents a 12% rise in effective cost and a surge of Rs 120 for every Rs 1,000 spent.

Breakdown of how the GST hike impacts IPL ticket prices:

• Rs 500 ticket: Rs 700 (up from Rs 640)
• Rs 1,000 ticket: Rs 1,400 (up from Rs 1,280)
• Rs 2,000 ticket: Rs 2,800 (up from Rs 2,560)

Despite framing the hike as part of revenue alignment, the GST Council successfully separates high-profile commercial tournaments from grassroots athletic events.

The higher GST raises the total cost of match tickets for IPL spectators, which may increase much more when stadium service costs and online booking fees are taken into account.

However, unlike the price hikes coming to IPL, Indian team cricket fans can rejoice as prices for international cricket matches are going to remain unaffected. Tickets for Indian team matches and other events of the ICC and ACC will only attract an 18% GST, while those priced under INR 500 remain exempt.

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