The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa in connection with a probe into an illegal betting application, according to official sources. The development marks a high-profile turn in the ongoing investigation into online betting networks with suspected links to money laundering.
Sources revealed that both Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa have been asked to appear before the ED for questioning about their alleged association with promotional campaigns and endorsements connected to the betting app. The ED is examining whether funds generated through the platform were routed through hawala channels or used for other unlawful activities.
The betting application, which came under the scanner earlier this year, reportedly attracted lakhs of users across India before being flagged for operating without proper licenses. Investigators believe that several celebrities may have been roped in to boost the platform’s visibility and credibility.
The ED has already questioned multiple individuals linked to the app, including its promoters and financial operators. Officials said the statements of the two cricketers will help ascertain whether they had knowledge of the app’s illegal operations or were unknowingly associated through commercial contracts.
Both Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa are among India’s most celebrated cricketers, with Yuvraj playing a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph and Uthappa being a part of the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning squad. The summons, therefore, have drawn significant attention from both the cricketing fraternity and the general public.
Legal experts note that the case highlights the growing nexus between online gaming platforms, celebrity endorsements, and regulatory loopholes. The ED is expected to take further action once the players record their statements.
