Ripples across the Cricketing World: ED Summons Suresh Raina in 1xBet Betting App Probe
Ripples across the Cricketing World: ED Summons Suresh Raina in 1xBet Betting App Probe
The former India and CSK star will appear before investigators as part of a widening crackdown on illegal betting platforms.
Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with the promotion of online betting app 1xBet. Raina, who serves as the brand ambassador for the platform, is expected to appear at the ED headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday to record his statement.
The summons is part of a broader investigation into illegal betting platforms and the celebrities who endorse them. Several other cricketers and Bollywood actors are also under the scanner. In May, Telangana Police filed cases against 25 well-known actors, including Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj. Both have denied wrongdoing, stating they no longer endorse such platforms and, when they did, the campaigns were targeted at regions where online skill-based gaming was legal. Rana Daggubati appeared before the ED in Hyderabad on Monday, after an earlier summons on July 23 was postponed due to film commitments.
The ED is examining financial transactions and digital evidence linked to multiple public figures named in the FIR, including actors Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and TV anchor Srimukhi. The investigation follows similar action in the high-profile Mahadev betting case between 2023 and 2024, which saw allegations against political leaders such as former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel — claims he strongly denied, calling them politically motivated.
Raina, a veteran of 18 Tests, 221 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, enjoys immense popularity across India for his match-winning performances. His involvement in the probe has sent ripples through the cricketing world, with many awaiting the outcome to see if it affects his public image. The ED has already questioned several high-profile names, and more summons are expected in the months ahead as authorities tighten their crackdown on illegal betting platforms and their promotion.
