Entertainment tax on IPL matches in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow: The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh will now bring the IPL matches under the purview of entertainment tax.

According to sources, the decision has been taken in view of the fact that states like Delhi and Maharashtra have been levying entertainment tax on these matches while UP has been losing out on revenue.

Additional entertainment tax commissioner Avadesh Tiwari confirmed that tax would now be levied on all IPL matches and international cricket matches held in the state.

IPL matches have recently been held at Kanpur’s Green Park stadium and more such matches will be held in UP after the international cricket stadium is ready in Lucknow.

IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla has said that Lucknow could host T 20 cricket league matches form the next season.

Sources said that the tax would be 25 per cent of the total amount of the ticket. Since the IPL and international cricket tickets are sold at a high price, the revenue collection would also be high.

“Cricket matches are a commercial venture and hence the decision to impose entertainment tax on them,” the official said.

The revenue collected through this will be spent on creating improved facilities for sportspersons and encouraging other sports too.