The Government of India has made changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. Under this GST Reform, prices in the medical and education sectors have decreased.
Sports News: The wait for IPL 2026 has increased for Indian cricket fans, but the cost of watching matches in the stadium may rise after the GST reform. The Government of India has changed the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. In the new slab, IPL tickets have been placed in the luxury goods category, meaning that 40 percent GST will now be levied on tickets.
What was the GST before and what will it be now
Previously, 28% GST was applicable on IPL tickets. This meant that if the price of a ticket without tax was Rs 1,000, then after adding GST, the ticket price would be Rs 1,280. Now, with 40% GST applicable, the same ticket will cost Rs 1,400. This change will increase the cost of watching matches by going to the stadium.
The franchises determine the price of tickets in the IPL; the BCCI does not interfere directly. So far, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) tickets are considered the most expensive. In 2024, RCB ticket prices went up to Rs 55,000. After 40% GST, this price could reach Rs 60,000 in 2026. Similarly, tickets for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will also be affected, but RCB tickets will still remain the most expensive.
Widespread Impact of GST Reform on IPL
The GST reform will result in fans watching matches in the stadium bearing additional expenses. However, the loss for franchises is minimal, as IPL's revenue is not solely dependent on ticket sales. The main sources of IPL revenue are:
- Sponsorship Deals
- TV and Digital Streaming Rights
- Live Broadcast on Social Media Platforms
Furthermore, if all tickets are not sold, franchises give away tickets to sponsors and club members. Therefore, an increase in ticket prices will not cause significant losses to the franchises, but it will put an additional burden on the pockets of the spectators watching the matches.
