Premium sporting events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) have significantly become more expensive following the Indian government’s decision to increase the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on match tickets from 28% to 40%.

The restructured GST rates with a 12% increase are set for enforcement from September 22, 2025 (Monday) for IPL and other similar leagues.

As a result, cricket fans will now have to dig deeper into their wallets to experience the adrenaline-fueled action of live IPL matches in the stadium, surrounded by the electrifying energy and passionate roar of fans.

How does the new GST slab influence international cricket matches and moviegoers? Are they exempt from India’s highest GST bracket? Let’s explore the intriguing facts in detail…

Why IPL Tickets Became Costlier?

The 40% tax threshold is applicable for all Luxury Goods categories, highlighting the most costly slab in the current GST governing system. Therefore, the cash-rich sporting leagues like IPL are now grouped in the highest GST division, thereby involving an additional charge of INR 60 for every 500 bucks spent on tickets.

As per the guidelines, casinos, race clubs, and luxury goods have been classified alongside IPL in the relevant category.

New GST Slab Targeting Lavish Spending

Revisiting the previous structure, the ticket price worth INR 1,000 added with 28% GST would tally the overall cost to INR 1,280.

But, the revised 40% GST witnessed a sudden spike in the same ticket valuing upto INR 1,400. As a consequence, fans now require adding INR 120 for spending every INR 1,000, reflecting the 12% increment per match ticket.

Here is how the ticket prices are estimated for the IPL 2026 season after the introduction of 40% GST:

However, fans attending the matches are certain to face a dual financial burden. In addition to the increased GST attached to the total cost of match tickets, the inclusion of stadium service charges and internet handling fees for online booking further elevates the overall cost.

Therefore, the middle-class families and younger fans find it difficult to afford the rising costs of attending IPL matches, which are now positioned as luxury entertainment.

Are India’s International Matches Affected due to the new GST Slab?

Fans can breathe a deep breath of relief as the revised GST structure spared Team India’s international fixtures. Unlike IPL, the tickets for India’s matches and other international sporting events will follow the 18% GST value. Also, the tickets worth below INR 500 are exempt from any tax.

Earlier, the international cricket matches were taxed at 28%, the same rate as the IPL tickets, but have been canceled under the new GST slab.

So, the ticket prices for domestic and international matches are expected to become much more affordable for fans in the near future.

For instance, let’s assume the base price of any international cricket match ticket is INR 1,500, and the addition of 28% GST would enhance the overall cost to INR 1,920. However, the new change will lower the same ticket price to INR 1,770 under the 18% GST slab.

The modifications for the international and domestic cricket matches are set to become valid from September 22, one week before the start of the women’s ODI World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka.

BCCI or Franchise: Who Decides the IPL Ticket Costs?

When it comes to finalizing ticket prices, the IPL franchise determines the rate at their homeground, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plays no role in this process.

However, it must be noted that the ticket sales won’t contribute a bulk portion of the team’s earnings, as the majority of revenue is generated from sponsorships, broadcasting and media rights, and merchandise. 

Cinema Tickets Not Placed in the Highest GST Slab: A Relief From 40% Tax?

The new GST slab delivers a mixed outcome impact, categorizing IPL under the highest tax bracket, but benefits cinema-goers from reduced taxation, making movie tickets more affordable than cricket matches.

Movie tickets worth upto INR 100 have been imposed a GST rate of 5%, a reduction from the previous 12% However, premium tickets exceeding INR 100 remain taxable upto 18%.

This decision comes following the appeal of Multiplex Association of India (MAI) to the Indian government to classify movie tickets upto INR 300 under 5% GST.

Overall Verdict

The GST Council categorized IPL matches as a luxury activity instead of cinema shows due to the surging popularity of such events attended by lakhs of spectators at a particular venue.

Contrarily, cinema has become affordable to audiences and supports theater owners both at rural and urban levels, thereby contributing to a notable reduction in the GST rate. In conclusion, the enduring popularity of the IPL is unlikely to have any negative impact on ticket sales despite its classification under the highest GST slab.