Cricket fans in India will soon have to spend more to watch their favorite teams play live in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The government has announced that from September 22, 2025, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on IPL tickets will increase from 28% to 40%.
The decision was taken during the 56th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. By placing IPL tickets in the highest tax category, the government has put them in the same bracket as casinos, betting, race clubs, and luxury goods.
This development has already sparked widespread debate, with fans, economists, and sports experts sharing different perspectives on the move.
Why Has the Government Raised GST on IPL Tickets?
According to the Finance Ministry, the change is part of a larger effort to simplify India’s GST structure. The government has been working on reducing the number of tax slabs and ensuring higher revenue collection from industries that generate large profits.
IPL, being one of the richest cricket leagues in the world, was seen as a natural target for higher taxation. Officials argue that the league is not just a sporting event but a commercial spectacle involving billion-dollar franchises, global players, and massive sponsorship deals.
By moving IPL tickets to the 40% tax slab, the government expects to bring in additional revenue while aligning sports entertainment with other high-value recreational activities.
How Much Will Tickets Cost Now?
The increase in GST will directly impact the price of tickets. For example:
- If a ticket earlier cost ₹2,000 (including 28% GST), under the new rate it could rise to nearly ₹2,400–₹2,500.
- Premium seats and VIP boxes, already priced high, will become significantly more expensive, pushing them further out of reach for average fans.
Industry experts predict a 15–20% decline in stadium attendance once the higher tax rate kicks in. Families and young fans, who usually plan months in advance to experience a live match, may now think twice before buying tickets.
Reactions From Fans and Critics
The announcement has triggered anger on social media platforms. Many cricket lovers believe the decision unfairly burdens ordinary fans while leaving powerful organizations like the BCCI tax-free. Some users accused the government of “killing the joy of cricket” by treating IPL like a luxury rather than a mass entertainment event.
Critics also argue that while the IPL generates huge revenues, most of the profits flow to franchises, sponsors, and the BCCI. Taxing fans instead of addressing these organizations has been labeled as “misdirected policymaking.”
Arguments in Support of the Decision
On the other hand, proponents of the move say it creates fairness across commercial entertainment sectors. They point out that:
- Casinos, betting clubs, and luxury entertainment options already fall under the 40% GST category.
- IPL, with its high sponsorship values, brand endorsements, and billion-dollar auctions, cannot be compared to local sports events with cheaper ticketing.
- Higher taxation may also help discourage black marketing of tickets, as strict pricing rules will come under the scanner.
Some economists believe the step is necessary to balance government finances, especially as India continues to expand infrastructure and welfare spending.
The Bigger Picture: Will IPL Viewership Change?
While stadium attendance might drop, experts expect TV ratings and digital streaming numbers to remain unaffected. Most fans prefer to watch matches on television or OTT platforms, which remain more affordable compared to stadium tickets.
However, stadiums provide an irreplaceable live experience—the cheer of the crowd, music, and player interactions—that television cannot match. A decline in turnout could impact the atmosphere of matches and even reduce the overall brand value of the league.
Franchises may also need to adjust their marketing strategies and offer discounts or bundled packages to keep seats filled.
What Lies Ahead
The true impact of the GST hike will be visible in the IPL 2026 season, which will be the first full season under the new tax structure. If attendance drops sharply, pressure may mount on the government to reconsider or provide some relief.
For now, fans must prepare for costlier tickets if they plan to attend matches after September 22, 2025. The decision has highlighted the growing tension between cricket as a sport for the masses and cricket as a commercial product.