ED Issues Summons to Shikhar Dhawan in Betting App Money Laundering Probe

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an online betting app. The case is related to suspected illegal promotions and endorsements of betting platforms. Dhawan’s name has now come up in the ongoing probe, following the appearance of other big names such as Suresh Raina.

ED asks Dhawan to clarify role in betting app promotions

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been investigating several illegal online betting apps that have cheated people and moved large sums of money through unlawful channels. One of the main apps under the scanner is 1xBet, which has been in the spotlight for alleged violations of Indian laws.

According to reports, Shikhar Dhawan has been connected to this app through promotions and endorsements on social media. The ED has now asked him to explain his involvement. On September 4, 2025, Dhawan was called to appear at the ED office at 11 am. Officials will record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Sources suggest that Dhawan’s endorsements of the betting app are being closely examined to see if they had any link to money laundering activities. The ED wants to determine whether the promotional work was limited to advertisements or if it played a larger role in helping the app operate illegally in India.

This is not the first time celebrities have been questioned in the case. The names of several well-known film and sports personalities have already surfaced. Actors like Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, as well as former cricketer Harbhajan Singh and actress Urvashi Rautela, have all come under the ED’s radar. Earlier, cricketer Suresh Raina was also summoned for questioning about similar promotional activities.

The investigation is ongoing, and the ED is expected to call more people linked to the betting apps in the coming weeks. Officials have stressed that celebrities need to be careful about promoting platforms that may be illegal, as their influence can lead to people investing money and later getting cheated.

Shikhar Dhawan’s cricket journey and achievements

Shikhar Dhawan, popularly known as “Gabbar” among cricket fans, was one of India’s most successful openers in international cricket. His aggressive batting style and consistency made him a crucial player for the national team for over a decade.

Dhawan played 269 international matches for India across formats, scoring 10,867 runs in total. One of his biggest achievements was helping India win the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he finished as the highest run-scorer of the tournament. His partnerships with Rohit Sharma at the top of the batting order became one of the most reliable opening pairs in world cricket during that period.

In Test cricket, Dhawan is remembered for his explosive debut century against Australia in 2013, where he scored 187 runs in just 174 balls. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he played many match-winning knocks in ICC tournaments, including the 2015 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy. His ability to perform in big events earned him the reputation of a “big-match player.”

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan also enjoyed a long and successful career. Over the years, he represented five different teams, including Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. He played 222 IPL matches and scored 6,769 runs at an average of 35.25. His tally makes him one of the highest run-scorers in the history of the tournament.

Dhawan was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team that won the IPL title in 2016. He also captained Punjab Kings in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In his last IPL appearance in 2024, he played five matches for Punjab Kings and scored 152 runs before injuries kept him out for the rest of the tournament.

Outside cricket, Dhawan has also been active on social media, where he regularly posts about fitness, lifestyle, and brand collaborations. This side of his career has now brought him under scrutiny, as some of the promotions linked him to betting apps.

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A respected player now facing tough questions

Shikhar Dhawan retired from international cricket in 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy. Fans and fellow cricketers often describe him as a cheerful and positive personality who lifted the mood in the dressing room. He remains admired for his contribution to Indian cricket and is often remembered for his unique celebrations and moustache-twirling gestures after scoring runs.

However, the current controversy has placed him in a difficult situation. While the ED’s summons does not mean he is guilty, it shows the seriousness of the investigation into betting apps. If proven that Dhawan only did promotional work without knowledge of any wrongdoing, he may walk away without facing strict action. But if further links are found, he could be in deeper trouble under money laundering laws.

For now, cricket fans and the public will be watching closely to see what Dhawan tells the ED and how the investigation unfolds.