Watching MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli in IPL to Cost More as GST on Tickets Rises to 40%

Cricket fans planning to watch stars like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli live in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will now face higher costs as the GST Council has increased the tax rate on IPL tickets from 28 percent to 40 percent. This significant hike, effective from September 22, 2025, places IPL tickets in the same category as luxury goods, casinos, and high-end entertainment.

The revised GST structure means that fans will now pay an additional ₹400 in tax for every ₹1000 spent on an IPL ticket, compared to the earlier ₹280. This increase is expected to affect not only general admission tickets but also premium hospitality and corporate boxes, which already come at a high price.

The Council explained that the decision was made to bring cash-rich sporting leagues like the IPL into the high-value entertainment bracket. While the IPL is directly impacted, other leagues such as the Pro Kabaddi League and the Indian Super League may also fall under the same category. However, international matches and domestic cricket games will remain unaffected, continuing under the 18 percent GST rate since they are still classified as sporting activities rather than luxury entertainment.

For fans, the new tax rate could make attending IPL matches significantly more expensive, potentially reducing stadium attendance. On the other hand, some believe that the additional revenue could be channelled into the development of grassroots cricket in India. Whether this move ultimately becomes a financial burden on cricket lovers or a boost for the game’s long-term growth will only be clear in the coming seasons.