Rinku Singh, who played a pivotal role in India’s recent Asia Cup triumph, has reportedly received an extortion threat amounting to Rs 5 crore. The young cricketer, whose first match of the tournament was the high-pressure final against Pakistan, was targeted by an individual named Naveed.
According to a source, Naveed initially approached Rinku under the guise of a fan seeking financial help, but the messages quickly escalated to a serious threat connected to organised crime. The source revealed that Naveed’s communications began politely but intensified over time, culminating in a direct demand for a large sum.
Escalating Messages From Naveed
The timeline of messages highlights how the situation progressed. On April 5, Naveed wrote: “Hope you are well. I am your biggest fan, and I am very happy that you are playing for the KKR team. Rinku sir, I hope you continue your tireless efforts. One day, you will reach the peak of your career. Sir, I have a request. If you can help me financially, Allah will bless you more, Inshallah.”
Just a few days later, the tone shifted drastically. On April 9, Naveed sent: “I want Rs 5 crore. I will arrange the time and place. Please send your confirmation.” Finally, after receiving no response, he issued an ultimatum on April 20 with a chilling message: “Reminder! D-Company.” The messages indicate a rapid escalation from fan admiration to criminal intimidation.
Rinku’s Focus On Cricket And Achievements
Despite the disturbing threat, Rinku remained focused on cricket, showcasing his match-winning abilities in the Asia Cup final. He needed only one ball to seal India’s ninth Asia Cup title and their second in the T20 format, sending the ball over mid-on for a four.
Reflecting on his performance, Rinku said, “Nothing else matters. This one ball matters. One was needed. I hit it for a four. Everyone knows I am a finisher. Team won and I am really happy.” Over his career so far, Rinku Singh has played 34 T20Is and two ODIs for India, scoring 605 runs across competitions. The incident underscores the pressures and challenges that professional cricketers can face off the field, even as they continue to shine on it.
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