Delhi, While millions of people nationwide continue to be enthralled with the Indian Premier League (IPL), a worrying trend is emerging in its wake: the rising power of online betting and “so-called fantasy platforms,” which are often supported by some of the greatest names in cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is being accused by concerned parents and cricket lovers of ignoring what many refer to as a “silent epidemic.”

Teenagers and young adults are becoming victims of fantasy gaming and betting applications in both tiny communities and busy urban areas, all attracted by the allure of quick cash and glamorous celebrity sponsorships. Financial hardship, a drop in academic performance, and an increase in mental health issues are all obvious consequences.

It’s devastating. In the past, cricket was about motivation and good sportsmanship. “Now it’s pushing our youth into addiction,” says Delhi parent Manish, 55. He just found out that his 16-year-old son had lost ₹50,000 and removed three of these applications from his phone. He queries, “Why are my heroes endorsing something so harmful?”

“The BCCI is busy making money and doesn’t seem to care what’s happening to our kids,” said another parent’s displeasure. Prominent cricket players are endorsing these applications, and the board is doing little to stop them. Major tournaments are even sponsored by some of these sites. They are clever; they refer to it as fantasy sports, but there is actual money at stake, and children get dependent on it because they believe it to be a fast method to make money.

At a recent game, a number of fans were openly putting bets on their phones, shocking one family. “We saw adolescents making live wagers from the stadium while on calls. And there were a lot of them,” a parent said.

Even while law enforcement has sometimes dismantled illicit betting networks, mobile applications that operate openly under the pretense of fantasy games pose a greater concern since they circumvent regulations while promoting hazardous conduct.

The BCCI, the richest and most powerful cricket organization in the world, is criticized for failing to accept moral responsibility. However, the public’s anxiety has only grown as a result of its silence, particularly given that well-known IPL players are still featured in these platforms’ ads.

Pressure from the public is growing. Parents and cricket fans are calling on the BCCI to take a strong stance, prohibit sponsorships and endorsements from these alleged gaming businesses, and encourage players to turn down such offers in favor of encouraging appropriate conduct.

Supporters argue that it’s time for responsibility to rival celebrity in a nation where cricket players are treated like gods. For many, cricket needs to revert to its original meaning as a sport that celebrates talent, tenacity, and sportsmanship rather than serving as a venue for gambling.