Thu Sep 04 23:14:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article rewrite of the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Indian government has increased the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tickets for the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 28% to 40%, classifying them as “Luxury Goods”. This change, effective for the 2026 season, will significantly increase the price of IPL tickets for fans. International cricket matches will have a lower GST rate of 18% for tickets above ₹500, while tickets below that price are exempt. Individual IPL franchises set ticket prices, and revenue from ticket sales represents only a small part of IPL profit.

**News Article:**

**IPL Ticket Prices Set to Soar as Government Hikes GST to 40%**

**NEW DELHI, September 5, 2025** – Indian cricket fans eager to attend the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches will face significantly higher ticket prices next season as the government has announced a substantial increase in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on admission to the popular T20 league.

Effective from the 2026 edition of the IPL, tickets will be subject to a 40% GST, a significant jump from the previous 28%. The Ministry of Finance, in a release issued Wednesday, clarified that this increase applies to “admission to casinos, race clubs, any place having casinos or race clubs or sporting events like IPL,” categorizing IPL tickets as “Luxury Goods.”

This means that an IPL ticket with a base price of ₹500, which previously cost ₹640 including GST, will now cost ₹700.

“While the increase in GST will impact fans’ wallets, we hope that it will not deter from their enthusiasm,” says one fan outside a stadium.

In contrast, tickets for international cricket matches held in India will attract a lower 18% GST, but only for tickets priced above ₹500. Tickets below ₹500 will be exempted.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not control ticket prices directly, with individual franchises determining rates at their respective home grounds, this increase is expected to have a significant effect across the board. However, it is also to note that revenue from ticket sales contributes only a small portion of their overall profit for IPL franchises.

The government’s decision is part of a broader revision of GST slabs across various sectors, aimed at boosting revenue collection. Details of these changes were released yesterday, September 4, 2025.

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