India spends extra on cricket than on science and that hole is elevating arduous questions. Profession coach Virendra Grover, citing IISc professor Mayank Shrivastava, says IPL revenues alone might fund ten new IITs, if taxed and redirected towards analysis.
In a LinkedIn put up, Grover highlights Shrivastava’s core level: India doesn’t lack cash, it lacks the desire to spend money on its scientific future. “Leisure is subsidised. Analysis is taxed,” Shrivastava notes, pointing to the stark distinction in how the nation treats its sports activities and science sectors.
The numbers again the declare. IPL 2023 earned ₹11,770 crore, with the BCCI posting a ₹5,120 crore surplus.
Over three years, income topped ₹15,000 crore. A 40% tax on these earnings, Shrivastava argues, might fund ten new IITs or generate ₹6,000 crore yearly for analysis—but the BCCI pays no revenue tax underneath its charitable standing.
In the meantime, analysis labs pay GST on imported gear. Grover asks: Why are match tickets tax-free whereas scientific instruments should not? And why do establishments aiming to push India ahead battle for funds?
India’s R&D spending stands at simply 0.6–0.7% of GDP, far beneath the worldwide common of two.6%. Against this, the U.S. spends 3.5%, China 2.4%, and South Korea 5%. Half of India’s R&D funds nonetheless comes from the federal government, with restricted non-public funding.
Grover doesn’t argue in opposition to sports activities or leisure—however requires steadiness. “These funds might additionally help income-building for the poor,” he says.
And to these centered on inequality, his message is obvious: “Don’t query the highest 1%. Assist others rise.”
As India celebrates cricket, Grover and Shrivastava recommend it’s additionally time to spend money on what powers long-term development—science, analysis, and training.
