IPL 2025 Ticket Prices Soar: 40% GST Hits Fans Hard – Here’s What You Need to Know!

Sep 11, 2025

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IPL 2025: GST on Tickets Raised to 40% – What Fans Need to Know

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been one of the most-watched sporting events in India. From stadium attendance to online viewership, cricket fever grips the nation every season. However, a recent decision has stirred discussions among fans: the GST on IPL tickets has been increased from 28% to 40%, placing them in the highest tax bracket for entertainment and luxury events.

This blog dives into how this affects ticket prices, comparisons with other sports, fan reactions, and tips to manage costs.

What Changed: IPL Ticket GST 2025

Previous GST Rate: 28%
New GST Rate: 40%
Effective Date: September 22, 2025
Scope: All stadium tickets for IPL matches in India

The government classifies IPL tickets under luxury entertainment events, similar to casinos and horse racing, hence the higher GST slab.

Impact on Ticket Prices

The GST increase significantly affects ticket costs for fans attending matches. Here’s an illustration:

Original Ticket Price	Price with 28% GST	Price with 40% GST	Increase in Cost
₹1,000	₹1,280	₹1,400	₹120
₹2,000	₹2,560	₹2,800	₹240
₹5,000	₹6,400	₹7,000	₹600

Key Point: Every ₹1,000 spent on IPL tickets now adds ₹120 more compared to the previous rate — a substantial jump for regular attendees.

Comparison with Other Sporting Events

Event Type	Ticket Price > ₹500	Ticket Price ≤ ₹500
IPL Matches	40% GST	Exempt? Rarely applicable
Other Recognized Sports (e.g., International Cricket)	18% GST	Exempt

Insight: While other sports remain more affordable for fans, IPL tickets are now taxed almost double in comparison, which may impact stadium attendance for mid-range fans.

Why This GST Hike Matters

Increased Cost for Fans – Families and casual viewers may reconsider attending live matches.
Luxury Classification – IPL matches are now officially treated as luxury entertainment.
Revenue vs Accessibility – The government increases revenue, but fans may feel priced out.
Potential Impact on Fan Engagement – High ticket costs could affect on-ground excitement and matchday sales.

Fan Reactions

The GST hike has sparked widespread reactions:

Criticism: Many fans argue that cricket is a national passion, not a luxury, and feel the tax is excessive.
Understanding: Some accept that the IPL is a high-profile, commercialized event, similar to concerts or other luxury entertainment.
Planning Ahead: Fans are looking for early-bird tickets or cheaper categories to offset the tax burden.

FAQs About IPL Ticket GST 2025

Q1. From when is the 40% GST applicable on IPL tickets?
A: The new 40% GST rate is effective from September 22, 2025.

Q2. How much more will a ₹2,000 ticket cost now?
A: A ₹2,000 ticket previously cost ₹2,560 with 28% GST; now it costs ₹2,800, an increase of ₹240.

Q3. Are cheaper tickets exempt from this GST?
A: Tickets priced under ₹500 for IPL are rarely applicable, but generally, the 40% slab applies to standard stadium tickets.

Q4. How does this compare to other sports events?
A: Other recognized sports events with tickets above ₹500 remain under 18% GST, making IPL tickets significantly more expensive in comparison.

Q5. Why was GST increased on IPL tickets?
A: The government classifies IPL as a luxury entertainment event, similar to casinos and horse racing, which fall under the 40% GST category.

Q6. Will this affect online ticketing platforms?
A: Yes, platforms may adjust ticket pricing, convenience fees, and may push early-bird or premium packages to compensate for high GST.

Conclusion

The 40% GST on IPL tickets is a significant change for cricket fans across India. While it boosts government revenue, it also raises ticket prices substantially, affecting affordability for on-ground spectators. Fans planning to attend matches should plan ahead, explore cheaper categories, or book early to avoid paying the highest rates.

Tip: Consider group bookings or early-bird offers, as they may help reduce the impact of the new tax slab.