IPL Watching to Get Pricier? Ticket Rates Hit by GST Overhaul

Fans face a dissapointing IPL update as ticket prices see an unnecessary hike from next year.

IPL Watching to Get Pricier? Ticket Rates Hit by GST Overhaul

IPL Stadium (via NDTV Sports)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

There is buzz right throughout the year when it comes to Indian cricket as the sport often is the heartbeat of the nation. However, if ever one is to pick the loudest two months regarding cricket it has to be the season of IPL. Massive viewership and insane fan followings of all the ten IPL franchises has made the league a global cricket carnival.

It has in many ways established itself as the fourth format next to Tests, ODIs and T20Is in a cricket calendar. The stadiums are jam packed and hardly does on find empty seats through the entire course of the two months.

However, the latest development regarding the tournament won’t bring happiness to its ardent followers. The IPL committee has announced that match tickets will see a hike in prices from next year with a GST overhaul on the tickets. IPL tickets in the years gone by have been seeing 28% GST levied on them, which already has been deemed expensive by many sections, will now see a massive 40% GST which is very steep.

Stadiums like the Wankhede Stadium who have their set of prices often start from Rs. 2000, will see a further rise making it difficult for many to watch matches live. Fans fear that this might lead to an increase in the empty seats in the stands dropping the excitement level in the grounds from next year.

The TV viewership might stay intact because of the quality of cricket on display. However, many cricketers have stated in the past that the atmosphere created on the ground adds massively to the entire sport. It will be interesting to see if there is a genuine opposition to this hike and whether or not that opposition brings about a change in this recent development.

RCB stars mourn the Bengaluru stampede as the incident completes three months

The RCB franchise saw highs like never before after their talisman leader Virat Kohli and faithful fans got their due by winning the IPL for the first time in 18 seasons. However, the excitement didn’t last long as the victory parade that followed brought tragedy to the occasion.

11 individuals fell victim to the celebrations and passed away in the stampede situation that occurred in the city. Fans have been celebrating the massive win silently with social media posts from time to time, but the RCB management stayed away from celebrations for almost three months after the incident.

Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar mourned the Bengaluru stampede in recent posts.
Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar (via Deccan Herald)

The usually up and about media team of RCB curtailed their celebrations big time by not posting anything all this while in respect of the lives lost. After a wait of three months the management came out with mourning posts and showed heartbreak for what had gone by. Captain Rajat Patidar and talisman leader Virat Kohli came out with heartwarming messages on the unfortunate incident and shared their opinion on the fandom the franchise possesses.

Every time I walk out for RCB, it’s with passion, and that passion comes from you. From your love, your belief, and your unwavering support. You’ve always stood by us. And from the bottom of my heart, I want you to know that we stand with you too. You’ve all been in my thoughts and prayers. With all of us holding on to each other, we’ll find our strength again.

Rajat Patidar via RCB

Both athletes felt deeply sorry for the events that unfolded after their trophy triumph. However, both players expressed the importance of fans for the franchise and stated that their support makes the team so special. They concluded by stating that with a heavy heart the players and the team would move forward and take care in the future.

Nothing in life really prepares you for a heartbreak like June 4th. What should’ve been the happiest moment in our franchise’s history…turned into something tragic. I’ve been thinking of and praying for the families of those we lost…and for our fans who were injured. Your loss is part of our story now. Together, we will move forward with care, respect and responsibility.

Virat Kohli via RCB

It was a dark day and, in many ways, curtailed celebrations which seemed to be endless after the victory. Massive decisions have been taken regarding the M. Chinnaswamy stadium post the incident and fans wait to see if they will be able to watch any IPL cricket next year at the ground.

Also Read: