How the New GST Rules Affect Indian Cricket

GST impact on cricket, an analysis: From September 22, the price of going to watch an IPL game will be more expensive, as the GST on tickets has been raised from 28% to 40%. As a result, the fans will have to pay more, taking the example of a base ticket of ₹1000, it will come to ₹1400 instead of ₹1280. This makes attending IPL matches are now more expensive, putting them in the same tax bracket as casinos and race clubs.

On the other hand, international cricket tickets get relief. For tickets over ₹500, their GST has been reduced from 28% to 18%, tickets under ₹500 are still tax-free. So, a ₹1000 ticket for an India vs. Australia ODI will now cost ₹1180 instead of ₹1280. 

For example, a top ticket at Chepauk for Chennai Super Kings could now cost around ₹7,656, while RCB’s most expensive home game ticket could cost up to ₹4,000. Even the cheapest tickets at the Mumbai Indians’ Wankhede Stadium will see a jump from ₹990 to about ₹1,082. The reforms also affect other recognized sporting events. Tickets priced under ₹500 remain tax-free, but those above ₹500 are now subject to an 18% GST.

GST impact on cricket: Effect on IPL Ticket Prices

The new GST rules have made attending IPL matches more expensive. The tax on cricket tickets has risen from 28% to 40%. This implies that a ticket that was previously priced at ₹1,000 plus GST, or ₹1,280, will now cost ₹1,400. Even the cheapest seats at venues like Wankhede are marginally more expensive, while premium tickets at stadiums like Chepauk and M. Chinnaswamy could see price increases of several thousand rupees. 

Here’s how the new GST affects IPL ticket prices:

• ₹500 ticket → ₹700 (was ₹640)
• ₹1,000 ticket → ₹1,400 (was ₹1,280)
• ₹2,000 ticket → ₹2,800 (was ₹2,560)

Service charges and online booking fees may further increase the final price.

Effect on India’s International matches

The new GST rules are mainly designed to target high-value commercial events like the IPL and will largely have no effect on India’s international cricket matches. Now, for these games, tickets that are priced over ₹500 are still subject to the standard 18% GST, but those priced below ₹500 are not. The change ensures that, despite the rising cost of premium leagues, fans will still be able to afford international cricket.

FAQs

Q. Does IPL have GST? 

A. The GST Council has introduced a 40% tax slab effective September 22, covering IPL tickets, casino entries, lotteries, betting, gambling, horse racing, and online money gaming.

Q. Does BCCI pay GST for IPL? 

A. In 2021, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) ensured BCCI remains in the tax-free zone. However, the board does pay GST (Goods and Services Tax) on IPL earnings.

Q. Is there a 40% GST? 

A. GST on all IPL tickets has been increased from 28% to 40%, effective from September 22, 2025.

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