Shikhar Dhawan in Trouble? ED Summons Former India Opener Over Links to Illegal Betting App 1xBet
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an illegal betting app. According to officials, the case revolves around the controversial platform 1xBet, which Dhawan allegedly promoted on social media.
The ED confirmed that Dhawan, 39, will have his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency is looking to determine the extent of his involvement with the betting app, particularly whether his endorsements or promotional activities contributed to its outreach in India.
Dhawan Under ED’s Radar
Dhawan, one of India’s most successful white-ball cricketers with over 10,000 international runs, reportedly came under the scanner due to advertisements and social media promotions linked to 1xBet. The agency suspects that such promotions may have indirectly supported the illegal betting ecosystem, which has cheated citizens of crores of rupees while also evading substantial tax liabilities.
This development comes just weeks after Suresh Raina, another former India star, was questioned by the ED in the same case. Officials revealed that several Bollywood celebrities and cricketers are under probe for similar associations, with big names like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Harbhajan Singh, and Urvashi Rautela also being questioned.
Government’s Crackdown on Illegal Gaming
The summons to Dhawan highlights the government’s tough stance against real-money gaming and betting apps. In 2024, the Union Government introduced stringent rules under the Online Gaming Regulation Bill, effectively banning apps that involve betting or gambling with real money. These platforms were flagged as “harmful and exploitative,” luring users with promises of quick profits but often causing devastating financial losses.
The ED’s crackdown is part of a broader campaign to dismantle the nexus between celebrities, promoters, and illegal betting platforms. Officials believe that endorsements by high-profile personalities provided credibility to these apps, encouraging more people to join and ultimately fall victim to scams.
Dhawan Yet to Respond
As of now, Dhawan has not issued any public statement regarding the ED summons. Sources close to him suggest that he will fully cooperate with the investigation. The 39-year-old last represented India in 2022 and has since been focusing on domestic cricket and franchise leagues, while also making appearances in off-field ventures and endorsements.
With the ED widening its probe, the coming weeks will be crucial not just for Dhawan but for many other prominent names who have found themselves embroiled in the illegal betting controversy.
