Former CSK Star Faces Questions Over Endorsing Betting App
Former Indian cricketer and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend Suresh Raina has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an illegal betting case tied to the online platform 1xBet. The 38-year-old has been asked to appear before the agency on August 13 for questioning regarding his alleged association with the betting app.
Sources told PTI that Raina’s link to the case stems from his endorsement of the app across various platforms. The ED is now trying to assess the full scope of his involvement, especially in light of serious financial irregularities surrounding the app’s operations.
Why Is the ED Investigating 1xBet?
The investigation was triggered after several complaints surfaced about users being scammed of crores of rupees through the betting platform. Additionally, reports suggest that the key stakeholders behind such apps have allegedly evaded substantial amounts in taxes.
Suresh Raina’s name emerged during the probe due to his promotional work for 1xBet, a platform that is not legally permitted to operate in India. Authorities are now trying to determine whether Raina was aware of the legal implications while endorsing the brand, and whether any financial transactions between him and the company violated existing laws.
Raina, one of the most celebrated players in IPL history, retired from professional cricket in 2022. During his career, he amassed 5,528 runs in 205 IPL matches with a strike rate of 136.73. He played a crucial role in CSK’s dominance, helping the team secure four IPL titles during his tenure.
As the ED continues its crackdown on illegal online betting networks, this latest development adds another layer of scrutiny to celebrities endorsing such platforms. The outcome of Raina’s questioning could set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future.
