Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 4, 2025, in connection with a money-laundering probe linked to an alleged illegal betting app, 1xBet. Officials recorded his statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the ED’s Delhi office, where he was questioned about his association with the platform.
The agency’s focus is on Dhawan’s endorsements of 1xBet, which may have contributed to the app’s growing reach in India despite betting being largely illegal in the country. Investigators are examining whether such endorsements indirectly facilitated fraud, tax evasion, or the exploitation of users. Dhawan’s appearance marks another step in the ED’s broader crackdown on celebrity promotions tied to unlawful betting activities.
This case is part of a larger investigation that has already drawn in several high-profile figures, including ex-cricketer Suresh Raina and actor Rana Daggubati, both of whom were also questioned about their links to similar platforms. Authorities believe celebrity endorsements play a significant role in legitimizing illegal betting apps and attracting millions of users.
The probe comes at a time when the Indian government has intensified efforts to regulate and block such platforms. Officials estimate that the online betting industry in India is worth over USD 100 billion, with nearly 220 million users, half of them regular players. Between 2022 and June 2025, the government issued more than 1,500 blocking orders against betting apps, reflecting the scale of the problem. Dhawan’s questioning highlights how regulators are now turning their attention not just to operators but also to public figures who promote these platforms.