In a situation that may not please fans of Indian cricket, the cost of tickets for the Indian Premier League will now have a tax rate of 40%, up from the previous 28%. This change will increase the total price of a ticket, as reported by ESPNCricinfo. However, watching international cricket will become less expensive, with the Goods and Services Tax rate decreasing from 28% to 18%. The total price of a ticket, originally set at Rs 1000, has gone up from Rs 1280 to Rs 1400. This rise positions the Indian Premier League in the highest category for Goods and Services Tax in the country, placing it alongside casinos and race clubs. Good news seems to be coming for fans attending international cricket matches in India. Previously, tickets for these matches were taxed at the same 28% GST rate as those for the Indian Premier League, but that tax bracket has now been eliminated. The most recent announcement from the Press Information Bureau regarding the updated tax rates specifically mentions ‘sporting events like the IPL’.

Currently, tickets that cost more than Rs 500 for other approved sporting events are charged an 18% GST. Tickets that cost less than Rs 500 do not have a tax. Soon, tickets for international matches and other state-operated leagues may be offered at lower prices. Right now, a ticket for an international cricket game priced at Rs 1000 totals Rs 1280 after taxes. With the new tax change, this same ticket price will drop to Rs 1180. These updated rates will go into effect on September 22, just a week before the Women’s World Cup, which is the next international cricket competition in India. Tickets for this tournament have not been released for sale yet. The influential GST Council announced on Wednesday that common items, from roti and paratha to hair oil, ice creams, and televisions, will be cheaper, while the tax on personal health and life insurance will be reduced to zero.