Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. From September 22, 2025, GST will have only two slabs – 5% and 18%. Along with this, a new 40% slab has been introduced. The old 12% and 28% slabs have been removed.
This decision has given a big jolt to IPL fans. The government has decided to impose 40% GST on IPL match tickets. This will make match tickets much more expensive for cricket lovers. However, the new GST slab will not affect tickets for international matches.
IPL Ticket Prices After 40% GST
Until now, IPL tickets had 28% GST, but from September 22, 2025, this will rise to 40%.
For example, if a fan bought a ticket worth ₹1000, they earlier paid ₹1280 (with 28% GST). Now, with 40% GST, the same ticket will cost ₹1400. Fans will have to spend ₹120 more.
Here’s how ticket prices will change across categories:
- A ₹500 ticket will now cost ₹700 (earlier ₹640).
- A ₹1000 ticket will now cost ₹1400 (earlier ₹1280).
- A ₹2000 ticket will now cost ₹2800 (earlier ₹2560).
This means cricket fans will face an extra 10% burden on every ticket due to the higher tax.
Other Sports Remain Exempt
The government clarified that the 40% GST slab applies only to IPL and certain luxury categories. Recognized sports events are not included. If a ticket for an approved sports event costs up to ₹500, it will remain GST-free. For tickets above ₹500 in such events, GST will stay at 18%, not 40%.
What Else Comes Under 40% GST?
The 40% GST slab has been made for items considered luxury or harmful. These include:
- Fast food chains
- Luxury cars
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Gambling, betting, lottery, horse racing, and online money gaming
By including IPL tickets in this category, the government has effectively put them under the same tax slab as luxury and harmful goods.
Impact on Cricket Fans
Fans who already felt ticket prices were high will now feel a greater pinch. Many fear that stadium attendance might drop if ticket rates climb too high. Still, the government argues that the GST reforms are meant to simplify taxes and increase revenue.
As Finance Minister Sitharaman explained, the new tax system is designed to make GST more efficient and uniform, though IPL lovers are unlikely to be happy with the changes.
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