Some of India’s best-known cricketers and film stars have been called by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in a case linked to the online betting platform 1xBet.
The investigators want to know how these stars promoted the app, how much they were paid, and if any rules were broken under India’s money-laundering laws.
The move comes as the government gets stricter on online gambling and money transfers.
Cricketers Summoned By ED Including Yuvraj Singh & Suresh Raina
In India, online betting has grown rapidly over the past few years, with several platforms gaining massive popularity among users. Among them, this website, Parimatch has emerged as one of the leading apps that cricket fans often turn to for placing their bets. Its widespread use has also brought increased attention from regulators, making it a significant name mentioned in ongoing investigations.
The Enforcement Directorate has questioned several former Indian cricketers in connection with the 1xBet betting app probe.
Here is the list of Indian cricketers who are being summoned by ED in several betting cases:
| Cricketer | Date of Questioning | Reason Summoned (ED Focus) |
|---|---|---|
| Suresh Raina | August 13, 2025 | Promotion/endorsement of 1xBet; links to app; financial transactions |
| Shikhar Dhawan | September 4, 2025 | Promotion/endorsement of 1xBet; statements on financial ties; 8-hour grilling |
| Robin Uthappa | September 22, 2025 | Promotion/endorsement of 1xBet; financial involvement under PMLA |
| Yuvraj Singh | September 23, 2025 (appeared: 22nd) | Links to 1xBet, financial transactions, and money laundering under PMLA |
| Harbhajan Singh | Earlier in 2025 (exact date NA) | Promotion/endorsement of 1xBet; questioned on proceeds and legality |
Robin Uthappa appeared on September 22 and was questioned for over eight hours, while Yuvraj Singh followed on September 23 at the New Delhi office.
Shikhar Dhawan has also faced the ED, spending nearly eight hours recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Earlier this year, World Cup winner Suresh Raina was grilled by officials in a similar session.
Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh too has been summoned and questioned about his role in promoting the banned betting platform.
The ED is mainly probing endorsement contracts, money flow, and whether players knew the app was illegal in India.
Other Celebs Under Question In 1xBet Probe
The Enforcement Directorate has stepped up its inquiry into 1xBet, an online betting app that has been running without proper approval in India. As part of this, the ED has called several famous cricketers and film celebrities for questioning.
The ED summons these celebrities, along with the cricketers, in the illegal betting app case:
| Celebrity Name | Profession | Reason Summoned / ED Focus | Date of Questioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonu Sood | Actor | Promotion/endorsement of 1xBet, financial involvement | September 24, 2025 |
| Urvashi Rautela | Actor/model | Ambassador/promoter of 1xBet; under PMLA scrutiny | September 2025 (recent) |
| Mimi Chakraborty | Actor, Ex-MP | Promotional association with banned betting apps | September 2025 (recent) |
| Ankush Hazra | Bengali Actor | Endorsement/financial association with betting apps | September 16, 2025 |
| Rana Daggubati | Actor | Promotion/endorsement of betting apps | Earlier in 2025 |
| Prakash Raj | Actor | Endorsement/financial association | Earlier in 2025 |
| Vijay Deverakonda | Actor | Endorsement/financial association | Earlier in 2025 |
| Lakshmi Manchu | Actor | Endorsement/financial association | Earlier in 2025 |
| Anveshi Jain | Influencer | Promotion/endorsement of betting app | 2025 (recent) |
The ED is looking at a few key questions:
- Did these stars knowingly promote 1xBet even though betting is not legal in India?
- How were their endorsement deals structured, and how were payments made, through Indian banks, overseas accounts, or informal channels?
- Do these payments count as “proceeds of crime” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)? If yes, the ED can freeze assets or take further action.
The case highlights how Indian authorities are keeping a closer watch on online platforms that involve real money.
With new gaming laws coming into effect, many apps are either being blocked or closely examined to check if they follow Indian rules. In this case, investigators are focused on both the money trail and whether the stars who endorsed the app broke any laws.
Why Is The ED Investigating?
The ED is carrying out the probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, which allows the agency to track illegal money, question people, and seize assets.
The agency wants to confirm whether celebrities knew that 1xBet was banned in India when they agreed to promote it. Officials are also checking if their payments came from clean banking channels or through other means like hawala.
India has also introduced new rules for online gaming in 2025, making it tougher for betting platforms to operate. These laws give the government more power to act against companies and individuals who promote unlicensed apps.
If the ED proves that money earned from 1xBet was illegal, it can freeze accounts, attach property, and file charges against those involved.
What Is 1xBet?
1xBet is an international online betting company, officially registered in Curaçao. It allows people to place bets on sports like cricket, football, tennis, and more. The platform is popular worldwide and runs websites and apps in several languages.
In India, however, betting is largely banned, and 1xBet has been accused of operating illegally. Reports suggest the app used celebrity endorsements and online ads to attract Indian users.
Authorities say it may have also moved money through unofficial channels to avoid taxes.
Top 5 1xBet Alternatives
With 1xBet facing legal action in India, many users are looking at other international betting platforms. These companies operate globally, accept Indian users, and are better known for transparent operations.
Try these top 5 alternatives to the betting platform.
| Platform | Focus | Payment Options | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parimatch | Cricket, football, casino | UPI, cards, e-wallets | Large cricket coverage, Indian-friendly app |
| Betway | Cricket, football, tennis | UPI, NetBanking, cards | Simple interface, trusted global brand |
| 10Cric | Cricket (IPL focus) | UPI, RuPay, wallets | India-specific promos, rupee support |
| Dafabet | Cricket, e-sports | UPI, cards, wallets | Asian focus, team sponsorships |
| Bet365 | Cricket + global sports | UPI, bank transfer, wallets | Live streaming, high trust worldwide |
1. Parimatch
Parimatch is a global betting brand with a strong presence in India. It covers cricket, football, kabaddi, and other sports, along with casino games. The platform supports common Indian payment methods.
2. Betway
Betway is a UK-based betting operator. It offers markets on cricket and other sports, accepts rupee deposits, and has secure withdrawal options.
3. 10Cric
10Cric is focused on the Indian market. It offers cricket betting across IPL, domestic, and international matches. The app and website are available in India with rupee payments.
4. Dafabet
Dafabet is an Asia-based platform that sponsors international teams and leagues. It provides cricket betting and casino gaming with competitive odds.
5. Bet365
Bet365 is one of the world’s largest betting companies. It offers wide sports coverage, live streaming features, and reliable payouts.
Online betting laws vary across India, so users should verify local regulations before using these platforms to avoid legal issues.
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