The betting endorsement case, that has ensnared Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, has shaken Indian cricket. In early November 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India provisionally seized assets worth INR 11.14 crore, of the two cricket stars.
The investigation by the ED claims that both former internationals were aware of signing endorsement deals with foreign organizations that were advertising the illegal offshore gambling site 1xBet and its contracted brands. PayMoney was said to be laundered through many shells of foreign accounts to hide the criminal sources of money.
This case on betting endorsement is not only jeopardizing their reputations, but also sheds more light on the increasing scrutiny of sports celebrities who promote unregulated gambling applications. A lengthy discussion of what happened, why it matters and how two renowned cricketers ended up in the spotlight of the law enforcers is discussed below.
Betting Endorsement Case: ED’s Crackdown and Star Endorsements
Indian authorities had already been investigating the illegal betting platform 1xBet, which operated in India through surrogate brands such as 1xBat and 1xBat Sporting Lines. Based on multiple FIRs filed by various state police agencies, the ED launched a money-laundering probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In this case, the agency alleges that Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina entered endorsement agreements with foreign entities connected to 1xBet. The crackdown became public on 6 November 2025.
The ED transferred ₹6.64 crore and 4.5 crore in the name of Raina and Dhawan ,respectively, of immovable property and mutual fund investments, respectively. According to officials, the money paid to the cricketers on these endorsements entered the market through a series of foreign transactions to conceal the fact that it was the proceeds of an illegal transaction.
The agency argues that the two stars had knowledge on the nature of the endorsements. The ED also questioned Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa and Bollywood actors Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty and Ankush Hazra as part of the broader betting endorsement issue.
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Timeline of the case:
Date (2025) | Event | Notes |
Sep-25 | ED records statements of Dhawan, Raina, Yuvraj Singh and others | Preliminary questioning related to the betting endorsement case |
6-Nov-25 | ED attaches ₹11.14 crore of assets | Raina’s mutual funds (₹6.64 cr) and Dhawan’s property (₹4.5 cr) |
Ongoing | Probe reveals over 6,000 mule accounts and money-laundering exceeding ₹1,000 crore | Payments routed through multiple gateways without proper KYC |
Current status | ED freezes more than 60 bank accounts and over ₹4 crore in funds | Case continues; public advisories warn against involvement in illegal betting |
The case that the ED has gone to war over this betting endorsement has rocked the cricket fraternity. One of the many networks that 1xBet operated, officials say, had thousands of mule accounts and unverified payment gateways.
Some of the business transactions were not reflected in the announced business operations by merchants, which according to the allegations of investigators, indicates laundering above 1000 crore. Along with the asset freezing, the government announced general warnings to its citizens that they should not disclose any information about their bank accounts to make unknown operations and risk serving up to seven years in prison, as a result of engaging in gambling on the Internet.
Betting Endorsement Case And The Reputations Of Shikhar Dhawan & Suresh Raina
Before their names were linked to a case regarding betting endorsement, Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina were admired for their exploits on the pitch. The life of Dhawan, one of the highs and lows of a street in West Delhi, to the global arena is one gritty tale.
He had his domestic debut in the Ranji Trophy 2004-05, and made his mark on the world stage during the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, when his century against South Africa brought him into the limelight. Dhawan became one of India’s most explosive opening batsmen, known for elegant yet aggressive stroke play, and the fastest century by a Test debutant.
BREAKING. ED attaches assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to Suresh Raina & Shikhar Dhawan in a money-laundering case linked to betting site 1xBet. 🤯
Probe reveals both cricketers “knowingly” endorsed the Banned foreign platform. pic.twitter.com/pDZb2Qe0Ro
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) November 6, 2025
Raina, on the other hand, is an offensive left-handed middle-order batsman, and one of the best fielders in the cricketing world. He was the captain of Gujarat Lions, and a vice-captain of Chennai Super Kings.
Raina debuted in ODI in 2005, and contributed towards the IPL champions of Chennai in 2010 and 2011. He remains the only Indian to score centuries in all three formats of the game, and was the first to amass 3000 runs in the IPL.
The case tarnishes these legacies. Fans have expressed shock that household names were linked to unregulated gambling promotions. Although the ED accuses Dhawan and Raina of signing contracts with the foreign surrogates of 1xBet, knowingly, not one of the two cricketers has been charged formally.
Legal experts say that it is usual to conclude endorsement transactions via management agencies, yet celebrities have to perform due diligence. The betting endorsement case consequently poses a question of ethical accountability in the age where online gambling forums try hard to establish a level of legitimacy through celebrity endorsements.
To Dhawan and Raina, the saga is a bitter lesson that off field choices may jeopardize on field legacies.
Betting Endorsement Case: Bigger Picture – 1xBet, Money Laundering And Legal Warnings
At the center of this betting endorsement is the greater question of the illegality of online betting in India. 1xBet was operating in the nation without permission, and relied on surrogate branding and advertising to connect with users via social media, videos and print.
₹6.64 crore Mutual investments of Suresh Raina and ₹4.5 Crore immovable property of Shikhar Dhawan seized.
Why?
Both cricketers had sponsorship deals with illegal betting app – 1xBet.
1xBet used 6000+ rented bank accounts to lure users and laundered ₹1000 Crore+ outside… pic.twitter.com/oilHo1lJxN
— A Digital Blogger (@adigitalblogger) November 7, 2025
Investigators say the platform collected money through more than 6,000 mule accounts; deposits were routed via multiple payment gateways, lacking proper KYC verification. Business transactions of merchants registered on these gateways were usually not in line with their pattern of transactions, which implies money laundering.
The enquiry into the ED has revealed a network, which is suspected of laundering over 1,000 crore. Over 60 bank accounts have been frozen and more than ₹4 crore seized.
This betting endorsement case is just one branch of a crackdown that also involves the Central Bureau of Investigation and state police units. Any person who knowingly helps illegal betting sites is threatened with prosecution in accordance with the PMLA, and can serve as much as seven years in jail.
The ED has increased the net to question other celebrities such as actors and cricketers. The agency points out that money laundering and other illegal activities are also made possible through illegal betting, which defrauds the user.
For fans and sponsors, the betting endorsement case underscores the need for vigilance when brands promote gambling under the guise of sports partnerships.
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Amit Mishra’s Thoughts
The betting endorsement case of Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina is a lesson to both the sports celebrities and the fans. Two cricketers, who had their match-winning antics in the news, are now having their name in the headlines of legal cases with property held and their reputation at stake.
It is sad as a cricket journalist to see the heroes caught in the backlash of money laundering scandals. However, the saga reminds us very strongly that the romance of cricket must not be used to justify illegal betting.
The ED crackdown can eventually create new benchmarks on accountability in endorsements and make athletes question all their commercial tie-ups. In the interest of the integrity of the game, all people such as players, sponsors and fans should make sure that illicit profit does not compromise passion to play cricket.
FAQs
What is the betting endorsement case involving Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina?
This betting endorsement case refers to an Enforcement Directorate probe into illegal online betting platform 1xBet. Investigators allege that Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina knowingly endorsed 1xBet’s surrogate brands and received payments through layered foreign transactions. The ED attached assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to the cricketers and is investigating possible money-laundering.
Why did the ED attach assets in the betting endorsement case?
As part of the betting endorsement case, the ED provisionally attached Raina’s mutual funds worth ₹6.64 crore and Dhawan’s ₹4.5 crore property. Officials say these assets represent proceeds of crime from illegal betting promotions. The attachments are part of a money-laundering investigation under the PMLA.
What is 1xBet and how does it relate to the betting endorsement case?
1xBet is an offshore betting online site that provided its services in India under surrogate brands, including 1xBat and 1xBat Sporting Lines. It collected money via thousands of mule accounts and unverified payment gateways. The ED alleges that Dhawan, Raina and other celebrities promoted these surrogates in exchange for payments, leading to the current betting endorsement case.
What are Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina known for outside the betting endorsement case?
Away from the case, Dhawan is celebrated as one of India’s most explosive opening batsmen. He made his domestic debut in 2004–05 and shone in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy; he holds the record for the fastest Test century by a debutant. Raina is an attacking left-handed middle-order batsman and superb fielder who captained Gujarat Lions and helped Chennai Super Kings win IPL titles in 2010 and 2011. He is the only Indian with centuries in all three formats.
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