NEW DELHI: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have brought respite for the middle class as the Indian government substantially reduced GST on daily goods. However, watching your cricket stars in the IPL is set to become costlier.
The revised GST structure now has two slabs of 5% and 18%, along with a 40% rate for super luxury items. Under the new system, which comes into effect on September 22, 2025, the tax on IPL match tickets will rise from 28% to 40%.
Earlier, the base price of an IPL ticket was Rs 1,000, with 28% GST raising the total cost to Rs 1,280. Under the new 40% slab, fans will now have to pay Rs 1,400 - an additional burden of Rs 120. This hike places IPL tickets in India's highest GST bracket.
However, watching international cricket in India may become cheaper. Previously, tickets for international matches were taxed at 28% - the same as IPL tickets - but this slab has now been abolished.
The Press Information Bureau's latest circular on revised tax rates specifically mentions 'sporting events like the IPL,' without referencing other formats of cricket.
At present, tickets for recognised sporting events are taxed at 18% if priced above Rs 500, while those below this threshold remain exempt. This means that international matches and state-run leagues could soon become more affordable.
For instance, a ticket with a base price of Rs 1,000 for an international cricket match currently costs Rs 1,280 after GST. Under the revised structure, the same ticket will be available for Rs 1,180, offering spectators some relief.
