The Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms announced on September 3, 2025, in New Delhi are set to make watching cricket at stadiums more expensive. The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has decided to increase the GST on Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets. With this hike, cricket fans will now need to shell out more to enjoy their favorite matches live during IPL 2026.

IPL Tickets to Attract 40% GST

Until now, IPL tickets were taxed at 28% GST, but under the revised structure, the tax has been raised to a hefty 40%. This increase will directly impact fans’ pockets, making stadium entry costlier than before.

For instance:

• A ₹1000 ticket that earlier cost ₹1280 (including GST) will now be ₹1400.

• A ₹500 ticket will rise from ₹640 to ₹700.

• A ₹2000 ticket will now cost ₹2800 instead of ₹2560.

This sharp jump of 12% in GST will be felt when IPL 2026 kicks off, likely influencing attendance figures.

Potential Decline in Stadium Attendance

The higher ticket costs could discourage many fans from going to stadiums, where crowds traditionally create the electrifying atmosphere that makes the IPL special. If large numbers of spectators opt out due to higher costs, it may impact the popularity and vibe of IPL matches.

In contrast, recognized sporting events will not face the same burden. For these, tickets priced up to ₹500 are exempt from GST, while those above ₹500 will continue to attract 18% GST.

Wider GST Impact Beyond Cricket

The GST Council has also extended the 40% GST rate to activities such as:

• Betting

• Gambling

• Horse racing

• Lottery

• Online money gaming

This move signals the government’s push to regulate revenue-heavy industries while also bringing consistency in taxation.

What This Means for Cricket Fans

The decision to hike GST on IPL tickets is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it increases government tax revenue, but on the other, it risks reducing in-stadium attendance and shifting fan engagement to television and digital platforms.

With IPL already known for its massive fan following and high entertainment value, the coming season will test how much of an impact these revised rates truly have on crowd turnout.