New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina is expected to appear on Wednesday at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in New Delhi for a statement in connection with the 1xBet case, following a summons issued by the agency.
Raina, regarded as one of India’s finest middle-order batters, was the first Indian cricketer to score a century in all three formats of international cricket. Over 322 international matches, he amassed 7,988 runs at an average of 32.87, with a strike rate exceeding 92. He notched seven centuries and 48 fifties in 291 innings, with a highest score of 120. Raina was also part of India’s victorious squads in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
Some of his most memorable performances include a 34* against Australia in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinals and a 36* against Pakistan in the semifinals—two classic middle-order clutch innings on the world stage.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Raina represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Lions (2016–2017). He is the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, accumulating 5,528 runs in 205 matches at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73. With one century and 39 fifties in his IPL career, his consistent performances earned him the nickname “Mr IPL,” and he won four IPL titles with CSK.
The summons comes amid a wider crackdown on illegal betting apps and platforms, many of which have been endorsed by celebrities.
On Monday, actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the ED after being summoned in relation to alleged promotion of online betting games. The actor had initially been scheduled to appear on July 23 but requested a delay due to prior commitments and a shooting schedule at the Hyderabad Zonal ED office.
Earlier this year, Telangana police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 celebrities and influencers, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi, for allegedly promoting illegal gambling apps through their social media platforms.
The FIR, registered at Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad, followed a petition by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma. Lodged on March 19, the complaint highlighted a growing trend of social media personalities influencing youth to invest in illegal gambling apps, violating the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
Sarma noted that many individuals in his community had been encouraged to invest in these apps, which were heavily promoted by celebrities. According to the complaint, these endorsements often involved large sums of money, enticing users to risk their hard-earned funds. Sarma himself nearly invested in one platform but was warned by his family about potential financial losses.
The petition emphasizes that these apps are causing significant financial harm, particularly to lower- and middle-income families, who are lured by the illusion of quick money. The involvement of celebrities lends credibility to these platforms, leading many to invest substantial amounts and face financial ruin.
Telangana police have charged the accused under multiple sections of the TS Gaming Act and the IT Act, including Section 66(D) for cheating and identity theft, as well as sections addressing the promotion of illegal betting. The investigation is being led by Officer G Ramesh Naidu.
“This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting the public from harmful gambling and betting platforms that exploit individuals for financial gain,” said K Kranthi Kumar, Inspector of Police, Miyapur Police Station.
