Is IPL Fueling a Betting Craze? Parents Demand Answers from BCCI

New Delhi, May 30 (NationPress) As the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to enthrall millions across India, a troubling trend is emerging alongside it — the growing impact of online betting and 'so-called fantasy platforms', frequently promoted by some of the most renowned cricket figures. Alarmed parents and fans are voicing serious concerns, accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of ignoring what many refer to as a "silent epidemic."

From vibrant cities to smaller towns, teenagers and young adults are falling victim to fantasy gaming and betting applications, seduced by the promise of quick cash and glamorous celebrity endorsements. The consequences are evident: financial hardships, declining academic performance, and escalating mental health issues.

“It’s devastating. Cricket used to symbolize inspiration and sportsmanship. Now it’s driving our youth into addiction,” states Manish, a 55-year-old father from Delhi. After discovering that his 16-year-old son had lost ₹50,000, he removed three such apps from his son's phone. “Why are my idols endorsing something so perilous?” he questions.

Another parent expressed their anger: “The BCCI is focused on profit and appears indifferent to the plight of our children. Prominent cricketers are endorsing these apps while the board does nothing to intervene. Some of these platforms even sponsor major tournaments. They cleverly label it as fantasy sports, but real money is at stake, leading kids to think it’s an easy way to make a profit.”

At a recent match, one family was stunned to witness numerous attendees openly placing bets on their mobile devices. “We noticed teenagers making calls, betting live from the stadium. There were quite a few,” mentioned a concerned parent.

Despite occasional police crackdowns on illegal betting rings, the more prevalent danger now arises from mobile apps that operate transparently under the pretense of fantasy gaming — circumventing regulations while promoting risky behaviors.

Critics assert that the BCCI, as the world’s richest and most powerful cricketing authority, must accept moral accountability. However, its silence has only intensified public anxiety, especially as prominent IPL athletes continue to appear in advertisements for these platforms.

Public pressure is mounting. Fans and parents are urging the BCCI to take decisive action: prohibit sponsorships and endorsements from these so-called gaming companies, and encourage cricketers to reject such agreements in favor of advocating responsible behavior.

In a nation where cricketers are idolized, supporters argue it’s time for accountability to align with fame. For many, cricket ought to revert to being a celebration of skill, spirit, and sportsmanship, rather than a portal to gambling.