Two of India’s most respected cricketers have landed in serious legal trouble after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth INR 11.14 crore belonging to them in an ongoing money-laundering probe. For players who have long enjoyed spotless reputations, this development comes as a major setback and has sparked intense discussion within the cricketing community.
The Enforcement Directorate, India’s primary financial investigation agency, has been digging deep into alleged illegal transactions linked to 1xBet. This online gambling company has operated aggressively in the Indian digital space. Known for sponsoring several sports franchises, 1xBet has often found itself under scrutiny due to concerns around offshore funding, regulatory violations, and betting-related operations.
As part of this wider investigation, the ED has been analysing financial trails, promotional partnerships, and endorsement agreements involving celebrities and athletes who collaborated with the platform. Their objective has been to understand how funds may have flowed from foreign entities into Indian accounts through promotional tie-ups.
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In a recent development, the ED reportedly uncovered assets worth INR 11.14 crore belonging to Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina during questioning sessions linked to earlier promotional deals with 1xBet. According to PTI, the agency has now formally attached these assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) through a provisional attachment order.
The order states that Shikhar Dhawan owns an immovable property valued at INR 4.5 crore, while Suresh Raina’s attached assets include mutual fund investments worth INR 6.64 crore. Authorities allege that both cricketers knowingly entered into endorsement contracts with 1xBet and its associated brands, which promoted illegal betting services within India.
Breaking: ED attaches mutual funds and immovable properties of former Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Rain as part of proceedings in 1xbet case. Attachment includes Raina’s Rs 6. 64 crore mutual funds and Dhawan’s immovable asset worth Rs 4.5 crore. @ThePrintIndia
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This investigation, however, isn’t limited to cricketers alone. The ED has also questioned prominent personalities, including Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, actors Sonu Sood and Urvashi Rautela, as well as former MP and Bengali film star Mimi Chakraborty. Bengali actor Ankush Hazra has also been probed for his promotional involvement with the platform.
1xBet, licensed under the Curaçao eGaming authority, has been operating since 2007 and is headquartered in Cyprus. The company boasts one of the largest online casinos globally and claims to run one of the world’s biggest sportsbooks. It has partnered with elite sports institutions, including FC Barcelona, Barcelona SC, and Paris Saint-Germain.
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Interestingly, long before India intensified its probe, several nations—including the UK, USA, France, Russia, and Spain—had already banned the platform due to financial irregularities. International warrants have also been issued against its three founders, one of whom is now deceased.
With the ED tightening its investigation, this case is likely to remain in the spotlight, especially given the high-profile names associated with it.
