Shikhar Dhawan, one of India’s most respected opening batters, spent almost 8 hours at the Enforcement Directorate office in Delhi. This time, the questions he faced were not about cricket, but about his past link to an illegal betting app. Dhawan entered the office at around 11 in the morning and came out only after 7 in the evening. The case is part of a bigger investigation into online betting platforms that have affected millions of Indian users.
Dhawan’s name came up because he had once promoted the app. His visit was mainly to help officers understand how his connection with the platform was formed and what he knew about it.
Why did ED Question Dhawan for Eight Hours?
Dhawan was questioned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Enforcement Directorate wanted to understand every detail of his connection with the app.
Officers asked how he was approached, what agreement he signed, whether he met the people behind the platform, and if he ever received any warning about the app being illegal. Dhawan sat through the entire questioning calmly and answered everything. At this moment, he has not been accused of anything.
In such cases, celebrities are often called only because they help investigators understand the network. Dhawan’s version was important for building a clear timeline and understanding how the app reached the public.
India’s Crackdown on Illegal Betting Apps:
The government is taking strong action against illegal online betting apps because many users have lost money on them. Reports say that more than 22 crore Indians have used online betting platforms at least once.
Out of them, nearly 11 crore users use such apps regularly. The online betting market in India has crossed USD 100 billion, which shows how fast it has grown. Many apps look attractive but hide risky features.
The government has blocked more than 1,524 such platforms between 2022 and 2025. The aim is to protect users from fraud and stop companies from moving money secretly. Dhawan’s questioning is one part of this larger effort to clean the online space.
Suresh Raina and Other Celebrities Under the Scanner:
Dhawan is not the only well known cricketer linked to this investigation. Last month, Suresh Raina was questioned in the same case. This belief leads many users to deposit money without checking the background of the company. Because of this risk, the Enforcement Directorate now wants to speak to every celebrity who may have been linked to these promotions.
| Celebrity Name | Profession | Status in Case | Notes |
| Suresh Raina | Cricketer | Questioned | Appeared before the Enforcement Directorate last month in the same investigation |
| Yuvraj Singh | Cricketer | Under review | Reportedly linked to gaming related promotions in media discussions |
| Irfan Pathan | Cricketer | Under review | Name appeared in reports related to gaming platform advertisements |
| Harbhajan Singh | Cricketer | Under review | Featured in gaming promotions and mentioned in review checks |
| Krunal Pandya | Cricketer | Under review | Listed in media reports for gaming app endorsements now being reviewed |
How These Illegal Betting Apps Actually Operate?
Illegal betting apps work in a way that is hidden from normal users. On the outside, the apps look simple and attractive. They promise rewards, bonuses, and fast registration. But behind this clean look, many of these platforms operate without approval. Some run from servers outside India.
They move user money through secret channels and do not pay any tax. When users try to withdraw winnings, the app may delay payments or even stop responding. Many users lose all their money with no option to complain.
Since many people join because they saw a celebrity in the advertisement, investigators want to know whether the celebrities had any idea about these hidden risks. This helps officers understand how the app was marketed.
India’s New Rules Against Real Money Online Gaming:
To stop these problems, the government introduced new rules for online gaming. The rules ban real money gambling and allow only approved skill based gaming.
- The aim is to protect users, especially young people, from platforms that cause financial harm.
- The new rules also make it easier for agencies to track where the money goes and to block apps that operate secretly.
- Many users had filed complaints about sudden loss of money, and this forced the government to act.
Dhawan’s questioning fits into this bigger change because it helps officers understand how the app used advertising, how it reached so many users, and what went wrong in the process.
Conclusion:
Shikhar Dhawan’s 8 hour questioning does not mean he is in trouble. It simply means the Enforcement Directorate wants to understand the full story behind the illegal betting app. His name came up because he was once part of a promotional campaign. This investigation is still going on, and more celebrities may be called. The case also shows how important it is for users to be careful before trusting any app, even if it is promoted by a famous person. Many platforms look safe on the outside but may be hiding risks. The government’s strong steps aim to make the online world safer, but awareness from users is just as important.
FAQs:
No. Dhawan has not been charged. He was questioned only to share information needed by investigators.
They question celebrities because illegal apps often use famous faces to build trust. Officers want to know whether the celebrity knew the app was illegal.
No. Only real money gambling apps that do not follow rules are banned. Fantasy sports and skill based apps with approval are allowed.
It is very difficult. These apps do not offer proper support, and there is no legal protection. Most users lose their money completely.
Yes, but only if it is proved that the celebrity knowingly supported an illegal activity. Otherwise, they are usually called only for questioning.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
