In a stunning development shaking the world of Indian cricket, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, calling him in for questioning on September 22, 2025, regarding an online betting-linked money-laundering investigation. Uthappa, celebrated for his contributions to the national team and the Indian Premier League (IPL), joins a growing roster of sports icons under scrutiny, including Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, for allegedly promoting betting apps implicated in financial crimes.
Born in Karnataka, Uthappa represented India in 46 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 13 T20 Internationals, etching his name in history as a key player in the triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup squad. However, his true stardom shone brightest in the IPL, where he played over 200 matches across six franchises, amassing nearly 5,000 runs as a dynamic wicket-keeper batsman. His IPL accolades include leading Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in 2014—where he clinched the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer—and repeating the feat with Chennai Super Kings in 2021.
The ED's probe into Uthappa stems from his endorsements of platforms like Sportsbaazi, which marketed live sports trading as a blend of discipline, data analysis, and strategic decision-making. Additionally, Uthappa collaborated with Sportiqo, a blockchain-based fantasy sports platform, featuring in a digital campaign dubbed "Khel On, Trade On." While specific details of the summons remain under wraps, these associations have raised red flags amid a broader crackdown on celebrities endorsing online betting and gambling apps.
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This surge in investigations has ensnared not just cricketers but also Bollywood stars and public figures. Recent ED summonses have targeted actors like Mahesh Babu and Urvashi Rautela, as well as former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty. Raina and Dhawan were among the latest to face questioning, highlighting the agency's aggressive stance against the proliferation of unregulated betting platforms that allegedly facilitate money laundering.
As Uthappa prepares to face the ED, the case underscores the risks celebrities face when aligning with the booming yet controversial online gaming industry. Fans and former teammates are watching closely, hoping for clarity on the allegations while reflecting on Uthappa's illustrious career. The outcome could have ripple effects across sports endorsements and the digital entertainment sector in India.
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