With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season in full swing, a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) has stirred up a conversation online about the hefty taxes on cricket match tickets. An X user, Ravi Handa, shared his frustration over the ticket price for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match on March 28. The image of the ticket he shared showed that the ticket’s basic price was Rs 2,343.75. However, after adding an “E-Tax” of 25 per cent over the basic price, CGST and SGST of 14 per cent each over the subtotal (Basic + E-Tax), the outstanding total price balloons to Rs 4,000.
"TIL - Tax on IPL tickets is more than 70 per cent. A ticket of 2343.75 becomes 4000 post taxes," Handa posted, igniting a flurry of responses.
Among the most talked-about aspects was the entertainment tax (E-Tax) of 25 per cent, followed by a cascade of additional taxes, including 14 per cent CGST and 14 per cent SGST. Many users expressed disbelief that taxes were being applied on top of other taxes.
"The funniest part is they take GST on Entertainment tax also. Tax the taxes also," quipped a user, Rohit D Kriplani, in response.
Another user humorously speculated, "Soon they may start charging SGST on top of total post CGST and people will say 'Sab Changa Si,'" referencing a popular sarcastic phrase.
However, beyond the humour, some fans also criticised the government’s taxation policies, arguing that such high taxes are unjustified, especially for individuals who already pay income tax.
"Love how the 28 per cent tax is charged on a sum that includes 25 per cent tax. Ridiculous. All this on income already taxed," one user vented. "If the worry is losing on an untaxed population, they should give people who pay income tax a rebate on these taxes - just show proof like this ticket and collect."
Not all comments were in support though. One user responded, "If u want to save money, don't go to watch that nonsense. It's simple."
The IPL 2025 season, which began on March 22, is in full swing, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. As per the IPL Schedule 2025, a total of 74 matches are set to take place across 13 venues in India, among 10 teams battling out for the coveted title. The season will culminate with the grand finale on May 25, once again at Eden Gardens.
