Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the illegal betting app 1xBet. According to official sources, Dhawan, who retired from all forms of cricket on August 24, 2024, allegedly promoted the platform on social media. His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the ongoing probe.

The federal agency is scrutinizing several celebrities associated with online betting platforms, including Dhawan and Suresh Raina. Earlier, Raina was also summoned over suspected links with the same betting app through endorsement deals. Investigators are examining financial transactions and the extent of awareness among endorsers regarding the unlawful activities of such platforms.

This case is part of a broader crackdown against illegal betting applications in India. Just last month, the ED carried out multi-state raids in connection with another betting app, Parimatch. Officials allege that many of these platforms have defrauded investors of crores of rupees while also evading massive amounts of taxes.

Reports indicate that nearly 22 crore Indians are using online betting apps, with about 11 crore being frequent users. Market experts value India’s online betting industry at over USD 100 billion, with an annual growth rate of nearly 30 percent. In response, the Union government has intensified its regulatory actions, informing Parliament that between 2022 and June 2025, it had issued 1,524 directives to block illegal betting and gambling platforms.