India vs Australia, 2017 tickets to get costlier at Chepauk
The gargantuan price rise will be due to the combination of 28% GST and 25% municipality tax.
Ever since the Goods and Service Tax (GST) was rolled out by the Government of India on 1st July 2017, there has been a turmoil in prices of various commodities, with some shooting up while others falling substantially. However, Indian cricket fans might not be the happiest as ticket prices at Chepauk are set to undergo a huge inflation. The first One-Day International (ODI) between India and Australia, to be played in September, will be the first match under this new system of taxation.
The gargantuan price rise will be due to the combination of 28% GST and 25% municipality tax. The cumulative effect of the two taxes will cause a steep 53% rise in the ODI ticket costs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. How this price rise affects the average cricket enthusiast making his/her way to the stadium will be an interesting to see.
Top TNCA Official clears the air about ticket prices
Speaking to The Times of India, a top Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) official said, “We all know about the 28 % GST. However, prior to this, we didn’t charge the public for Municipality tax for ODIs and Tests. We added it only during IPL and Champions League T20 matches. After the new regulations, we have to include it for Tests and ODIs as well. We have no option.”
Elaborating on why the step is necessary, the official went on to say, “On one side, if we slash the price then TNCA will have to bear a loss. We know how tough the price surge would be for fans. We have come up with a few options regarding ticket prices. We will discuss that in our EC meet on August 25 and then take a call.”
He also assured that the association would add the details of both the taxes on the printed tickets, in order to dispel all ambiguity.
In conclusion, the official expressed hope that since ODI cricket would be making a comeback to Chennai next month after two long years, people would find it in their hearts to come out in large numbers to support the home team, in spite of the surge in ticket prices.
Download Our App