Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina is likely to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in New Delhi on Wednesday to record his statement in the 1xBet case, following summons issued by the agency.
Raina, widely regarded as one of India’s finest middle-order batters, holds the distinction of being the first Indian to score centuries in all formats of the game. In 322 international matches, he has amassed 7,988 runs at an average of 32.87 and a strike rate above 92, including seven centuries and 48 fifties, with a highest score of 120.
A key member of India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy-winning teams, Raina’s unbeaten knocks of 34* against Australia in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinal and 36* against Pakistan in the semifinal remain among the most memorable clutch innings in Indian cricket history.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Raina represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Lions, scoring 5,528 runs in 205 matches at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73. Known as ‘Mr IPL’ for his consistency, he registered one century and 39 fifties and won four IPL titles with CSK.
The summons to Raina come amid a broader crackdown on illegal betting apps promoted by celebrities. On Monday, actor Rana Daggubati appeared before the ED in connection with the alleged promotion of online betting games. The ED had earlier summoned Daggubati for July 23, but he sought more time due to prior commitments.
Earlier this year, Telangana Police registered an FIR against 25 celebrities and influencers — including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi — for allegedly promoting illegal betting and gambling apps through social media.
The FIR, filed at Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad on March 19 following a complaint by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma, alleged that celebrities were accepting large sums of money to endorse betting platforms that violate the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Sarma claimed that such endorsements had lured many, particularly youth, into investing in these apps under the false promise of easy money, often leading to financial ruin.
The Telangana Police charged the accused under provisions of the TS Gaming Act and the Information Technology Act, including Section 66(D) for cheating and identity theft. 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. (Agencies)
