Tax the IPL to Fund Science? A Viral Idea That Deserves National Attention
Today, let’s explore a viral idea that’s taken over Indian social media—a proposal that touches the core of public sentiment and national priorities. While national attention remains gripped by geopolitical tensions and domestic issues, one thoughtful post by a professor from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has sparked a crucial debate.
Professor Mayank Srivastava suggested something both simple and powerful: What if the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the most profitable sports leagues in the world, was taxed—and that revenue was used to fund scientific research in India?
The GST Burden on Science and Citizens
In India today, scientific institutions often struggle to purchase essential equipment due to the high Goods and Services Tax (GST). Even research-related software and lab materials attract significant taxation. Meanwhile, the average citizen pays 28% GST on an air conditioner during an extreme heatwave—an item that could be considered essential in such conditions.
Contrast this with the IPL, a billion-dollar entertainment juggernaut that pays no tax on its earnings. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) labels IPL income as part of a non-profit “cricket development” activity. As a result, despite earning over ₹11,770 crore in 2023, BCCI pays nothing in taxes from IPL profits.
The Disparity: Entertainment Tax-Free, Science Taxed
This situation has caused concern among citizens and experts alike. The argument is not against cricket or entertainment but against the lack of parity in taxation. The government taxes items that help individuals survive harsh climates or advance national science, while multi-crore ventures like IPL operate virtually tax-free.
Srivastava asserts that even a 40% tax on IPL profits could potentially fund 10 new IITs across the country. This would not only ease the pressure on students competing for limited seats but also boost India’s overall scientific output. Imagine the impact on the lives of students, researchers, and even the broader economy if more opportunities in higher education and research were made available.
Global Precedents: Learning from the United States
India wouldn’t be the first to question the tax-exempt status of massive sports leagues. In the United States, the National Football League (NFL) lost its tax-exempt status in 2017 under the Trump administration. The reasoning was clear: these leagues earn billions and their wealthy players live lavish lives. If such entities don’t pay taxes, then who should?
That model of governance can serve as inspiration. Just like the U.S. reassessed its priorities, India, too, must decide whether public welfare and scientific progress should remain dependent on the common man’s taxes—or whether multi-billion enterprises like the IPL should contribute their fair share.
A Question for Every Indian
So the question is simple yet profound: Should IPL and BCCI be taxed like any other profitable organization? Or should India continue subsidizing entertainment while burdening its scientists and middle class?
The idea isn’t anti-IPL. In fact, many Indians feel proud of the success of the IPL. But as responsible citizens, we must ask—is it fair that a middle-class individual pays GST on a ceiling fan or air conditioner while billionaires save taxes through sports franchises?