It’s not often that you see the smiling face of Shikhar Dhawan – cricket’s beloved “Gabbar” – associated with controversy. But this week, that changed.
The former India opener has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation into an online betting platform that’s now facing serious money laundering allegations. According to reports from PTI, Dhawan’s name has surfaced in a case that’s starting to look a lot like a sequel to last year’s Mahadev betting scandal but this time, with a wider celebrity cast.
Cricket Meets the Crackdown
For fans who grew up watching Dhawan raise his bat with that signature grin after yet another half-century, this news comes as a shock. The 37-year-old hasn’t played for India in a while and was recently left out of the BCCI’s central contracts list. Yet, he’s remained a familiar face – in ads, on social media, and occasionally on commentary panels.
Now, he’s being asked to appear before the ED. Officials haven’t revealed exactly what his role might be – whether it’s as a witness, an endorser, or something deeper but his name is now part of a growing list of public figures linked to the online betting world.
And he’s not the only cricketer to face scrutiny.
Just last month, Suresh Raina, another former Team India star, was summoned over his alleged association with 1xBet, a platform already under ED investigation. And this isn’t just about cricket – it’s about the entire world of celebrity influence.
When Stars Become Targets
So far, this probe has roped in a slew of familiar names from the entertainment industry. Actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the ED after requesting a delay due to film shoots. Others like Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, and even TV anchor Srimukhi have been named in related FIRs filed by the Telangana Police.
Most of these celebrities have defended themselves, claiming they endorsed online platforms legally operating in regions where skill-based gaming is allowed. Still, the optics are tricky – especially when the platforms are later found to be involved in illicit activities.
And yes, comparisons are being drawn to the Mahadev app case, which snowballed into a political storm last year and dragged even a former Chief Minister – Bhupesh Baghel – into the headlines.
The Bigger Question: Where’s the Line?
This isn’t just about Shikhar Dhawan or Suresh Raina. It’s about the blurred line between brand endorsement and moral responsibility. In today’s digital age, where celebrities often lend their name to products they barely use (and sometimes don’t fully understand), where does accountability lie?
Online gaming and betting have long operated in a legal grey area in India. Some are skill-based and legal in certain states. Others are outright gambling operations hidden behind glossy apps and influencer campaigns.
For a generation that grew up idolizing cricketers and following their every move on social media, this moment is unsettling. Not because we expect our heroes to be perfect but because we hope they’re careful about what they promote, especially when real money (and legal consequences) are involved.
What Now for Dhawan?
As of now, Dhawan hasn’t issued any public statement. And it’s important to remember a summons isn’t a conviction. It’s part of the process. But his name being in the headlines for this kind of story will raise eyebrows.
Whether he ends up playing a minor role in the investigation or becomes a key figure, one thing is clear: the ED isn’t done. More celebrity summonses are expected as authorities dig deeper into how these betting platforms used star power to build trust and allegedly, to launder money.
At a time when cricket is trying to clean up its image, especially post-IPL controversies and the rise of illegal apps, stories like these serve as a reminder that fame doesn’t just bring admiration. It brings responsibility.
And for the fans? We’re just hoping our favorite players and stars remember who’s watching – and what’s at stake.