The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into a money laundering case linked to the controversial online betting app, 1xBet. As part of the investigation, the agency has already questioned four former Indian cricketers, with more celebrities, influencers, and sportspersons likely to be summoned in the coming days.
The probe is part of ED’s larger crackdown on betting platforms accused of duping people of crores of rupees and allegedly evading massive amounts in direct and indirect taxes.
Cricketers Questioned So Far
The list of those quizzed by the ED includes some of the most prominent names in Indian cricket:
- Robin Uthappa – The former India batter, who featured in 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is between 2006 and 2015, appeared before the ED on September 22, 2025.
- Suresh Raina – A member of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad, Raina played 18 Tests, 226 ODIs, and 78 T20Is. He was questioned on August 13, 2025.
- Shikhar Dhawan – One of India’s most prolific openers of the last decade, Dhawan represented India in 34 Tests, 167 ODIs, and 68 T20Is between 2010 and 2022.
- Yuvraj Singh – The biggest name so far, Yuvraj was instrumental in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs. The allrounder enjoyed a decorated career with 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is.
ED’s Line of Questioning
According to reports, the ED is trying to determine how celebrities and cricketers were approached by 1xBet for endorsements, who acted as the local contacts in India, and the mode of payments used. The agency is also investigating whether payments were made in cash via hawala routes or through banking channels, and whether the transactions occurred in India or abroad.
The ED is further analyzing the end use of the money to check if it qualifies as “proceeds of crime.”
Government’s Action on Betting Platforms
In Parliament, the government revealed that between 2022 and June 2025, it had issued as many as 1,524 orders to block online betting and gambling platforms. The latest developments underline the seriousness of the crackdown on illegal betting operations in the country.
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