With the new reforms in the Good Service Tax (GST) coming in, the tickets for the Indian Premier League will be costlier for the fans. Even though the ticket prices vary from stadium to stadium, the massive surge in the GST will affect the fans allover. The Goods and Services Tax Council has revised rates on premium sporting spectacles, moving the slab from 28% to 40%. This sudden escalation places entry to the Indian Premier League within the category of casinos, luxury entertainment, and race clubs. The changes take effect on 22 September 2025. Under the earlier framework, a ₹1,000 ticket incurred an additional ₹280 in tax. With the new levy, the same pass will demand ₹1,400 in total—₹120 higher for every ₹1,000 spent. The escalation translates into an effective 12% surge for enthusiasts who queue up for cricket’s grandest carnival. Official papers underline that the hike applies to “admission to casinos, race clubs, any place having casinos or race clubs, or sporting events like the IPL.” A ₹500 ticket will now climb to ₹700, up from ₹640. A ₹2,000 pass moves to ₹2,800, compared to ₹2,560 earlier. The rule applies uniformly across the IPL and any other high-value sporting contest deemed non-essential. The Council has clarified that smaller grassroots matches and general sporting events remain beyond this premium taxation, cementing the distinction between mass sport and commercial extravaganza. Read also: BCCI President Race: Rajeev Shukla or a Cricketer to Succeed Binny No hefty taxes on international matches The Council has clarified that smaller grassroots matches and general sporting events remain beyond this premium taxation, cementing the distinction between mass sport and commercial extravaganza. International cricket, however, stays largely untouched. Tickets for India’s bilateral series and global tournaments continue under the standard 18% GST. Low-priced entries below ₹500 remain exempt, sparing local fans from the harsher edge of the reform. However, the revised policy does not yet clarify whether leagues such as the Pro Kabaddi League or the Indian Super League fall within the same bracket, though parallels are expected.