The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Team India cricketer Suresh Raina to its Delhi office on Wednesday, August 13, for questioning in a money laundering case. The investigation is also connected to the controversial platform 1xBet and other illegal betting apps.
Earlier this year, Telangana Police registered cases against 25 actors, including Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj, over their association with betting platforms. The actors stated that they had ceased such endorsements and had only promoted them in regions where online skill-based games are legal.
Suresh Raina Summoned by ED Over Alleged Links in Money Laundering Case
Suresh Raina was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate to appear on August 13 in connection with a money laundering investigation. Raina is reportedly linked to the platform through endorsements, and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
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The questioning is expected to focus on his association with the app as part of a probe into illegal betting operations. Notably, the ED has been tracking multiple leads across several cities to uncover how these platforms operate.
Investigators allege that such betting apps have cheated users out of crores of rupees, laundered money, and evaded large sums in taxes. The agency is also examining media houses and other entities that may have received advertising payments from these platforms.
Illegal Betting Apps Rebrand to Evade Laws
According to the Hindustan Times, Indian enforcement officials stated that illegal betting platforms frequently change names to evade regulations, with celebrity endorsements boosting their reach.
Authorities estimate that 220 million Indians use such apps, with half of them being regular participants. These platforms recorded over 1.6 billion visits in the first quarter of 2025, and the country’s online betting market is suspected to be worth about $100 million.
“These platforms are in violation of multiple laws and directions by the Indian government… It is estimated that around 22 crore (220 million) Indian users are currently engaged on various betting apps, and 11 crore (110 million) of these are regular users,” an officer told HT.
Suresh Raina Was One of India’s Most Dependable Performers
Suresh Raina was one of India’s most dependable performers. He scored 5,615 runs in 226 ODIs and 1,605 runs in 78 T20Is. The all-rounder also took 36 ODI and 13 T20I wickets. Raina scored 768 runs in 18 Tests and was one of the few players to have scored centuries in all international formats.
The middle-order batter played a key role in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, especially in the knockout stages. He was also part of the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning side. The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer was known as one of the best fielders of his generation.
He enjoyed a 13-year international career marked by match-winning knocks, versatility with the ball, and an unwavering team-first attitude that made him a true team man. In the IPL, Raina was a key player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
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