Watching a live Indian Premier League (IPL) match is about to get significantly more expensive. Under a new GST structure effective September 22, 2025, ticket prices for IPL and other high-value sporting events will be subject to a 40% tax rate, a sharp increase from the previous 28%
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This change places IPL tickets in the highest GST bracket, alongside luxury and “sin goods” like casinos, race clubs, and tobacco products. The move is part of a broader GST overhaul that aims to simplify the tax structure and increase revenue from high-end discretionary spending.
Here’s how the price hike breaks down for fans:
- A ₹500 ticket: Now costs ₹700, a ₹60 increase.
- A ₹1,000 ticket: Jumps to ₹1,400, a ₹120 increase.
- A ₹2,000 ticket: Rises to ₹2,800, a ₹240 increase.
This new tax rate creates a stark division in how sports are taxed in India. While IPL and other premium leagues are now categorized as luxury entertainment, tickets for regular cricket matches and other “recognized sporting events” continue to be taxed at a much lower 18%. For fans, this means a heavier financial burden for every match, even before accounting for additional costs like stadium charges and online booking fees.
