The cost of participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches is set to grow after revising the GST rates for entertainment and sports programs. In particular, the GST Council has transferred IPL tickets to the highest taxation bracket, such as with luxury categories such as Casino and Race Club.
The Indian Premier League attracts a large -scale crowd in every season, in which supporters participated in stadiums across India to see top players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. However, fans will now have to pay high costs for stadium entry, as ticket prices can be modified.
New GST reforms are more expensive to participate in IPL matches
The cost of tickets for the Indian Premier League starting from the 2026 season will increase. In particular, the government has placed high-profile sports events under 40% GST slab. The IPL tickets had earlier 28% GST, but fans will now face an additional 12% increase.
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Under the revision, fans will pay much more at the ticket counter. For example, the ticket priced of ₹ 1,000 will now be ₹ 1,400.
This growth is expected to influence supporters at all places regardless of category or location, as the entire tournament now comes within a high tax bracket.
As the Indian Premier League remains the most attractive cricket league in India and one of the biggest global sports glasses, the new GST regime is ready to hit the fans directly into its pocket. However, change is unlikely to affect the appearance in stadiums.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitarman announces major GST reforms
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitarman confirmed after a GST Council meeting on 3 September that major changes have been made in the tax system.
“GST rate of 40% will apply for all specified actionable claims including betting, casino, gambling, horse racing, lottery, and online money gaming. Admission to sports events like IPL will attract 40% GST. However, this rate of 40% will not apply to admission to recognized sports events,” in a wide statement released by GST Council.
“Admission to other sports events, including recognized sports events, where the ticket price is not more than Rs 500, is being given discount, and if the ticket price is more than Rs 500, it continues tax at a standard rate of 18%,” it further said.
International and domestic cricket remains 18% tax
GST hike will not affect international or domestic cricket in India. The ticket for these matches will continue under 18% tax rate.
The 40% slab applies only to the IPL and selects high-profile events, making them expensive for fans. Meanwhile, sports incidents with ticket prices below ₹ 500 are exempted from GST.
India is set to play its next international match during the upcoming Asia Cup, which begins on 9 September in UAE. In Blue, men will host a home test series against the West Indies starting from October 2, 2025. In particular, the Indian Premier League will take place in March -May -Window every year.
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