The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just about cricket, glamour, or big brands. Behind the sixes and cheerleaders lies a river of money flowing into the pockets of the BCCI and billionaire team owners. But an important question has been raised—can this money help build the future of India?
According to IISC Bangalore professor Mayank Srivastava, if only 40% tax is applied on IPL profits, India can create up to 10 new IITs in just three years.
The idea sounds huge, but the numbers are real. In 2023, BCCI earned around Rs. 11,770 crore, out of which Rs. 5,120 crore was pure profit. Most of this came from selling media rights. For 2024 and 2025, experts expect this income to cross Rs. 13,000 crore.
Srivastava argues that even if a small part of this income is taxed, it can bring real change. He says, “About Rs. 15,000 crore can be collected in three years just by taxing IPL profits. This can be used to create high-level research centres or 10 new IIT campuses.”
Even Franchise Profits Can Help
It’s not just the BCCI making big money. IPL franchises owned by billionaires are also earning Rs. 800–1,200 crore annually. If these profits are taxed at a 40% rate, India can get an additional Rs. 320–480 crore every year.
Putting everything together, Srivastava estimates that Rs. 6,000 crore can be used every year to support research and innovation—just from IPL earnings.
Why Entertainment Gets Support and Research Gets Tax
The professor also highlights a deep concern: entertainment in India gets subsidies, while scientific research faces taxes. He explains that research institutes have to pay GST on lab equipment, making their work more expensive.
Meanwhile, cricket leagues, Bollywood films, and even religious trusts often enjoy tax benefits or exemptions. He questions the system where people who make India laugh or pray get support, but those working on India’s future have to struggle for funds.
India Doesn’t Lack Money, It Lacks Vision
Srivastava says, “Indians don’t lack money. We lack the thinking to invest in the future.” He believes people are too focused on quick returns and not ready to put money in long-term projects like scientific research or deep-tech innovation.
He ends by saying, “Entertainment keeps the present happy. But only research builds the future.” He urges the government and society to start thinking seriously about using part of India’s entertainment income to build institutions that create real value for the nation.
Source: Navbharat Times
