The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken action against two famous Indian cricketers — Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan — by attaching assets worth ₹11.14 crore.
The case is linked to a money laundering investigation connected to illegal online betting platforms such as 1xBet and its related websites.
According to reports, Raina’s mutual fund investments worth around ₹6.64 crore and Dhawan’s property valued at nearly ₹4.5 crore have been provisionally attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
This move comes as part of a larger probe into betting apps that were allegedly operating illegally in India, involving massive money transfers through foreign companies and digital payment networks.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan are two of India’s most loved cricketers, both known for their major contributions to Indian cricket. This development has raised eyebrows across the sports community.
The ED believes some celebrities, including these cricketers, had endorsed or promoted betting platforms that were operating unlawfully. The agency suspects that some of the payments made for these endorsements may have been linked to funds obtained through illegal means.
However, it’s important to note that the ED’s action is “provisional”, meaning the investigation is still ongoing and no final judgment has been made.
The Bigger Picture
The ED claims that the entire betting racket could involve over ₹1,000 crore, with money being moved through fake bank accounts and international payment gateways to hide its source.
The agency is also looking into whether some of the brand promotion deals made by celebrities were part of this larger web of transactions.
If proven, this could lead to more strict action against those involved and might even push the government to tighten rules around online betting and celebrity endorsements in India.
What Happens Next
- The ED will continue investigating the case, examining how the money was moved and who benefited.
- Raina and Dhawan may submit clarifications or take legal steps to defend themselves.
- More names from the entertainment and sports industry could come under scrutiny if further links to betting companies are found.
Public Reaction
Fans of both cricketers have expressed shock at the news. Many are hoping that Raina and Dhawan will clarify their side soon and that the truth will come out after the full investigation.
Social media platforms have seen mixed reactions — some users believe the players may have been unaware of the full nature of the companies they endorsed, while others are calling for more transparency in celebrity-brand partnerships.
Final Thoughts
The ED’s move shows how serious the authorities are about curbing illegal online betting and money laundering in India. For stars like Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, this is a reminder that brand endorsements and financial deals must be handled carefully, as even indirect links to such activities can cause major legal and image damage.
This case highlights the growing need for accountability in sports, business, and digital finance — and it’ll be interesting to see how things unfold in the coming weeks.