Cricket fans attending IPL matches in stadiums will now face a steep increase in ticket prices following the government’s decision to raise GST on premium sporting events from 28% to 40%. The move places IPL tickets in the highest tax bracket, alongside luxury goods, casinos, and tobacco products, making live match attendance significantly more expensive.
GST hike and ticket price impact
The new tax structure treats IPL matches as a luxury activity, while regular cricket games continue to attract 18% GST. The price revision is already evident across ticket categories. For example, a Rs 1,000 ticket that previously cost Rs 1,280 including GST will now cost Rs 1,400, representing a Rs 120 increase. Similarly, a Rs 500 ticket will cost Rs 700 instead of Rs 640, while a Rs 2,000 ticket now costs Rs 2,800, up from Rs 2,560.
This adjustment underscores the government’s intent to classify high-end sports events under discretionary luxury expenditure. Apart from ticket prices, spectators will also have to account for additional charges such as online booking fees and stadium levies.
Comparison with cinema tickets
While IPL fans face rising costs, movie-goers have received some relief. Cinema tickets priced up to Rs 100 will now attract only 5% GST with input tax credit, down from 12%. Tickets above Rs 100 continue to attract 18% GST. Officials have explained that these changes reflect a broader GST reform aimed at rationalising taxes across different segments, easing the burden on essential goods and services while increasing revenue from luxury items.
Financial and spectator perspective
The hike comes at a time when the IPL continues to attract large stadium audiences, corporate sponsorship, and extensive media coverage. While the additional tax may have minimal impact on premium segment buyers, mid-range spectators may feel the pinch, especially families planning to attend matches. Analysts suggest that ticket pricing strategies may be reviewed by franchises to balance fan engagement and revenue targets.
This step also aligns with broader fiscal objectives, as the government seeks to generate higher revenue from luxury services and discretionary activities. The IPL, being one of India’s most-watched sporting events, now falls firmly in the category of premium entertainment, making the 40% GST applicable.
Conclusion
The GST hike on IPL tickets marks a clear distinction between premium sporting events and regular cricket matches, signalling government efforts to target luxury spending. Fans attending stadium matches will need to adjust their budgets, while the measure is expected to bolster government revenue streams. With this adjustment, attending live IPL matches has now become a more expensive luxury experience in India.