New GST Reforms: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday unveiled a fresh set of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms that have sparked debate across industries and among the public. Industrialist Harsh Goenka welcomed the reforms overall but took a swipe at the steep tax hike on Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets.
Applauding the new GST reforms, Goenka noted that while BCCI enjoys a tax exemption, IPL tickets now attract 40% GST in a country where cricket is a religion, BCCI the God, the IPL the temple, and fans the devotees. He questioned whether the government was asking cricket fans to make an even greater offering.
“Great GST reforms. Kudos! A small thing comes to mind: No tax for BCCI—good. But increased 40% GST on IPL tickets. Incredible India: where cricket is a religion, the board is God, IPL is the temple, and the fans, the devotees, have to pay a higher offering. Any thoughts?” Goenka wrote on X.
IPL tickets in highest tax bracket
The reforms raise GST on IPL tickets from 28% to 40%, pushing them into the same bracket as casinos, betting services, tobacco products, and luxury goods. While regular international and domestic cricket matches will continue to attract 18% GST, the IPL has been singled out as a premium sporting event.
For fans, this means a noticeable rise in ticket costs. A Rs 1,000 ticket that once cost Rs 1,280 with tax will now be priced at Rs 1,400. Similarly, a Rs 500 ticket has jumped from Rs 640 to Rs 700, while a Rs 2,000 ticket has gone up from Rs 2,560 to Rs 2,800.
Impact on cricket enthusiasts
The increased levy is expected to affect cricket enthusiasts across the country who prefer the stadium experience. Spectators must also consider extra charges such as stadium facility fees and online booking costs, which will make attending matches even more expensive.
Critics argue that such a sharp increase could discourage families and younger fans from watching matches live, reducing accessibility to the sport despite its mass popularity. The decision to treat IPL tickets as luxury consumption contrasts with the government’s approach to cinema, where certain ticket prices have been lowered.
Relief for cinema-goers
While IPL fans face higher expenses, movie-goers have seen some relief. Tickets priced up to ₹100 will now attract only 5% GST with input tax credit, down from the earlier 12%. Tickets costing more than Rs 100 remain taxed at 18%.
The contrasting treatment between cricket and cinema underscores the government’s broader strategy of taxing discretionary spending in high-revenue areas while providing relief in sectors that cater to mass audiences.
The government’s decision has reignited the debate about cricket’s commercialisation in India. By categorising the IPL as a luxury activity, policymakers appear to be capitalising on its status as a money-spinning spectacle. For fans, however, the message is clear: watching their favourite stars from the stands will now come at a significantly higher price.