Online Betting: ED has summoned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan

Online Betting: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for questioning in connection with a money laundering case related to an illegal online betting app.

The investigation focuses on the betting platform 1xBet, and the ED’s inquiry stems from Dhawan’s alleged association with the app through endorsements. This development follows a broader crackdown on illegal online betting and gaming platforms, which have been under scrutiny for allegedly duping investors and evading taxes.

The ED’s investigation also involved former cricketer Suresh Raina, who was questioned in August in the same matter. The federal agency is looking to record Dhawan’s statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to understand his role and the nature of his endorsements with the betting platform.

Shikhar Dhawan, an Indian cricketer affectionately known as “Gabbar,” has had a distinguished career as a left-handed opening batsman, particularly in limited-overs formats. He has been a consistent performer for India and a legend in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Early Career and International Debut:

Dhawan’s talent was evident early on. He was the leading run-scorer in the 2004 Under-19 World Cup, a tournament he dominated with 505 runs, earning him the Player of the Tournament award. Despite this, he had to wait for his international debut due to the presence of openers like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.

ODI Debut: He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in October 2010 against Australia.

Test Debut: His Test debut came in March 2013 against Australia, where he made a sensational entry, scoring the fastest century by a batsman on Test debut (off 85 balls) and finishing with 187 runs.

Dhawan’s career is marked by his exceptional performances in ICC tournaments and his consistent run-scoring.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013: He was named the Player of the Tournament after being the leading run-scorer with 363 runs, playing a key role in India’s victory.

ICC World Cup 2015: He continued his big-game performance by becoming India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament with 412 runs.

ICC Champions Trophy 2017: He was once again the highest run-scorer in the tournament, demonstrating his reliability in major competitions.

ODI Records: He is one of the fastest Indians to reach milestones like 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 runs in ODIs. His average in ICC tournaments (World Cups and Champions Trophies) is one of the highest among players with over 1000 runs.

IPL: In the IPL, Dhawan has been a prolific run-scorer. He holds the record for being the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history, only behind Virat Kohli. He also holds the unique record of being the first player to score back-to-back centuries in the IPL.

Career Stats (as of September 2025)

ODIs: Played 167 matches, scored 6,793 runs with an average of 44.11, and has 17 centuries.

Tests: Played 34 matches, scored 2,315 runs with an average of 40.61, and has 7 centuries.

T20Is: Played 68 matches, scored 1,759 runs with an average of 28, and has 11 fifties.

IPL: With 6,769 runs, he is one of the top run-getters in the tournament’s history.

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