Pay more for IPL matches; movie tickets under ₹100 get cheaper

The GST Council has revised tax rates on tickets for entertainment and sporting events, increasing levies on marquee properties like the Indian Premier League (IPL) while providing relief for low-value cinema tickets.

Admission to sporting events, including IPL matches, will now attract 40% GST with input tax credit (ITC), up from 28% earlier. The hike is expected to raise costs for fans of the globally popular league, which draws lakhs of spectators to stadiums each season.

However, this higher rate will not apply to recognised sporting events. For other sporting events, including recognised ones, tickets priced up to ₹500 remain exempt from GST, while tickets priced above ₹500 continue to attract the standard 18% GST.


Cinema-goers with cheaper tickets will benefit from a cut. Entry to films priced up to ₹100 will now draw 5% GST with ITC, down from 12%. Tickets priced above ₹100 will continue to attract 18% GST with ITC, with no change in the rate.

Ahead of the meeting, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) had urged the government to bring cinema tickets priced up to ₹300 under the 5% slab, arguing the move would make films more affordable and encourage exhibitors to expand screen infrastructure in smaller towns and cities.