While the cricket world is currently buzzing with the various controversies surrounding the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, cricket fans' attention was diverted elsewhere. Precisely a week ago, former star cricketer of the Indian cricket team, Yuvraj Singh, was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). His presence was required at the ED office due to his alleged involvement in promoting a banned app. On September 16, he was instructed to appear on the 23rd. Consequently, fans' eyes were fixed on this development on Tuesday. After nearly 7 hours of interrogation, Yuvraj Singh emerged from the ED office in Delhi.
Recently, the Central Government declared all online betting apps illegal. Yuvraj Singh, along with several other cricketers, had been involved in promoting such betting apps. The authorities sought to understand the nature of their promotional activities and the financial transactions involved. Yuvraj was scheduled to arrive at 11 AM, though he was late arriving at the appointed hour.
Around noon, Yuvraj Singh arrived at the ED office accompanied by his lawyers. His statement was recorded under the purview of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). After almost seven hours of questioning, he left the ED office shortly before 8 PM.
Over the past few weeks, the ED had summoned former cricketers like Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan regarding this matter. Yesterday, on September 22, another ex-cricketer, Robin Uthappa, was also called in. Each of these celebrities had been seen endorsing the 1xBet app at some point or another.
However, the ED is also keen to ascertain whether those associated with the app were aware that online betting is prohibited in India. They have been asked to provide advertising contracts and financial transaction documents. Anubhav Jain, a social media influencer, was also summoned on Wednesday.