A shocking case of cyber fraud has come to light from Karnataka’s Belgaum district, where a 19-year-old aspiring cricketer was duped of over ₹23 lakh in the name of IPL selection. Rakesh Yadure, a talented state-level player from Chinchani village in Chikkodi taluk, fell prey to a well-orchestrated scam that exploited his cricketing dreams and family’s hard-earned savings.

Rakesh’s journey took a hopeful turn after a strong performance at a tournament in Hyderabad in May 2024. Later that year, in December, he received an Instagram message claiming he had been selected to join the Rajasthan Royals IPL franchise. The scammers posed as team representatives and asked him to fill out a form and pay a nominal registration fee of ₹2,000.

Believing the offer was genuine, Rakesh made the payment. Over the next few months, the fraudsters kept him engaged with fake match fees promises ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹8 lakh per game. From 22 December 2024 to 19 April 2025, he made multiple online transfers, amounting to ₹23.5 lakh.

The turning point came when he was asked for an additional ₹3 lakh and still did not receive any jersey, kit, or travel tickets. Realizing the fraud, Rakesh attempted to contact the alleged officials—only to find himself blocked on all platforms.

Rakesh’s father, a security guard with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, had put everything on the line for his son's dream. The family had managed the funds through loans and savings, hoping for a better future. But their sacrifices were met with deceit.

Belgaum Superintendent of Police Dr. Bhimashankar Guled confirmed that the cyber fraudsters immediately withdrew the scammed money and emptied the accounts. Preliminary investigations suggest the fraud originated from Rajasthan, and a cybercrime team is preparing to head there for further probe.

This case highlights a disturbing trend where scammers target vulnerable young athletes by capitalizing on their ambitions and the lack of verification processes. It serves as a cautionary tale for families and sports bodies to stay vigilant and report suspicious opportunities.