Karnataka Cricketer Loses ₹24 Lakh in Shocking IPL Scam Linked to Fake Rajasthan Royals Selection
Belagavi, Karnataka – May 2025:
In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the growing menace of online fraud in sports, a promising Karnataka cricketer has reportedly been duped of nearly ₹24 lakh in a fake Indian Premier League (IPL) selection scam. The victim, Rakesh Yadure, a state-level player from Chinchani village in Belagavi’s Chikkodi taluk, had been aspiring for a breakthrough in professional cricket after gaining attention from scouts during a tournament in Hyderabad in May 2024.
According to police sources, Yadure’s ordeal began in December 2024 when he received a message on Instagram, claiming that he had been selected to play for the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL season. Believing it to be genuine, he was instructed to fill out a registration form and pay an initial onboarding fee of ₹2,000.
What followed was a carefully crafted fraud that exploited Yadure’s dreams. Between December 22, 2024, and April 19, 2025, he made multiple payments amounting to ₹23.53 lakh, lured by false promises of lucrative match fees ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹8 lakh. The fraudsters remained in constant contact, assuring him of official contracts, team kits, and travel arrangements—all of which never materialized.
Matters came to a head when the scammers demanded an additional ₹3 lakh. Upon his refusal and subsequent inquiries, Yadure found himself blocked on all platforms, and communication ceased entirely. It was then that he realized he had fallen victim to a sophisticated scam.
A complaint was lodged with the Belagavi Central (CEN) police station, triggering a cybercrime investigation. Initial findings reveal that the funds were swiftly withdrawn from bank accounts now found empty. Investigators believe the culprits are operating from Rajasthan, and a dedicated cybercrime team has been dispatched to track them down.
Speaking to media, a visibly distressed Yadure said, “I hope the police recover my money. No one should experience what I went through.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local sports community, with calls for stricter verification mechanisms and awareness campaigns to protect young athletes from similar traps.
This case serves as a grim reminder of how easily dreams can be exploited in the digital age, and the urgent need for aspiring players to exercise caution while dealing with unsolicited online opportunities.
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