The Indian government has revised the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on Indian Premier League (IPL) match tickets—raising it from 28% to 40%. This new rate places IPL tickets in the same extraordinary tax bracket as luxury goods and high-end entertainment—signaling a significant shift in how premium sporting events are taxed. The changes come into effect on September 22, 2025.
What Has Changed?
- The GST on IPL tickets has been hiked to 40%, up from the earlier 28%, aligning them with “luxury” and “sin” goods like casinos and betting services.
- As a result, a ₹1,000 ticket will now cost ₹1,400 (up from ₹1,280), reflecting a ₹120 hike. Similarly, a ₹2,000 ticket will go up to ₹2,800, and a premium ₹5,000 ticket will cost ₹7,000.
- Importantly, this 40% GST does not apply to recognised sporting events—for those, tickets over ₹500 continue to attract the standard 18% GST, while tickets under ₹500 remain exempt.
Why It Matters
1. Impact on Fans
Live IPL match attendance just became costlier. Alongside higher GST, fans may also face increased stadium fees and service charges, raising the overall experience cost. IndiatimesIndia TodayNDTV Sports
2. Luxury Entertainment Label
Classifying IPL tickets under the highest tax slab places the sport alongside non-essential and premium entertainment, reflecting changing policy priorities. The Economic Times
3. Broad Tax Restructuring
This tax increase is part of a broader GST reform simplifying the tax structure into two main slabs (5% and 18%) and a new 40% slab for high-end discretionary services.
Quick Summary Table
| Category | GST Rate (New) | GST Rate (Old) | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL Match Tickets | 40% | 28% | Significantly higher cost for live-match attendees |
| Recognised Sporting Events (>₹500) | 18% | 18% | No change—remains standard rate |
| Recognised Sporting Events (≤₹500) | Exempt | Varies | Remains tax-free |
