IPL 2026 gets underway tonight with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru at 7:30 PM IST. As the cricket fever builds, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C.
Sajjanar has issued a strong warning to fans, especially the youth, urging them to enjoy cricket responsibly and stay away from betting apps. In a video message posted on X, Sajjanar cautioned that betting leads to heavy debts, destroyed families, and in some cases, loss of lives.
What Did CP Sajjanar Say About IPL Betting?
Sajjanar didn’t hold back. He directly called out the dangers of online betting during the IPL season.
He warned that despite government bans on hundreds of betting apps last year, fraudsters have shifted to new platforms. Betting operations now run through Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram, making them harder to track and easier to access for young users.
On top of that, Sajjanar took aim at social media influencers who promote these apps for money. He stated that Hyderabad Police will take strict action against anyone endorsing illegal betting platforms, regardless of their follower count or public profile.
He also revealed that police teams are monitoring offline betting networks operating from farmhouses and secret locations across the city. “Do not put your family’s future at risk,” Sajjanar warned.
How Can Fans Report Betting Activities?
Hyderabad Police has set up two channels for the public to report suspicious betting operations:
- Dial 100 for immediate reporting
- WhatsApp: 9490616555 for sharing details or evidence
Sajjanar urged citizens to stay vigilant and report any betting-related activity they come across, whether online or offline.
Why Is Betting a Serious Concern During IPL Season?
Every IPL season triggers a surge in illegal betting across India. Telangana banned online betting apps back in 2017, yet these platforms continue to thrive through overseas operators and social media promotions.
Sajjanar has been leading an aggressive anti-betting campaign for over a year now. Earlier, Hyderabad Police booked 11 social media influencers for promoting betting apps, including TV anchors and popular content creators. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also attached assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to former cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan for their alleged involvement in promoting online betting platforms.
The commissioner’s message is clear: the IPL is meant to be enjoyed as a sport, not as a gambling opportunity.
IPL 2026 Season Opener: RCB vs SRH Tonight
Meanwhile, the on-field action promises to be electric. RCB enter as defending champions after winning their maiden title in 2025. However, they face an early challenge with Josh Hazlewood potentially missing the opener due to fitness concerns.
SRH, on the other hand, will play without captain Pat Cummins, who is still recovering from a back injury. Ishan Kishan takes over as interim skipper for the Orange Army.
The 19th season of the IPL runs until May 31, featuring 10 teams across 74 matches. The final will also take place at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. So grab your jerseys, pick your teams, and as Sajjanar puts it, enjoy the cricket. Just leave the betting apps alone.
