IPL Ticket Prices To Get Hiked From 2026, Check Out Why. The prices of tickets to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) live in stadiums will increase because the Government of India raised the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on ticket sales to 40%, the highest slab tax there is under GST.
The decision is a part of the government’s new “GST 2.0” reforms that will place IPL tickets in the same tax category as luxury services like casinos, race clubs, and premium entertainment. The rate will be updated from September 22, 2025.
How It Will Affect Ticket Prices
This also means tickets will cost fans more. For instance, a ₹1000 ticket, which ended up priced at ₹1280 with taxes, will now cost ₹1400. A ₹2000 ticket will go up from ₹2560 to ₹2800. Tickets below ₹500 will still be exempt from GST.
The government defended its decision by claiming the IPL is a “premium entertainment event” different from regular sporting events. In contrast, other sporting events, which include international cricket matches, will remain at 18% GST for ticket prices over ₹500.
While policymakers insist that reform is aimed at discretionary expenditure. Harsh Goenka, an industrialist, denounced the reform, saying cricket lovers are forced to “pay higher offerings,” and also, the BCCI has extensive tax exemptions.
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BCCI has yet to comment on how the increase will affect ticketing options or stadium attendance. However, some analysts believe that while demand for premium seating will remain constant, the middle section of fans will feel the pinch, and this will likely impact the numbers in the live audience. With this reform, the cost of live experiences at the IPL has become a luxury that is undeniably out of reach.
