Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday alleged
that a casino used his morphed images to promote itself on social media. The
former cricketer said he would initiate legal action against the casino, named
‘Big Daddy’, which is located in Goa.

Also Read: Indian legend Syed Kirmani says Saha dropped at his peak

“While my legal team will be taking the required
action, I felt it was important for me to share this information with
everyone,” Tendulkar issued a statement from his official Twitter handle.

“It has come to my notice that there are multiple
ads being shown on social media platforms, with a morphed photo showing me
endorsing a casino,” he further said.

Also Read: Made India proud: Tendulkar hails Praggnanandhaa for beating Carlsen

The 48-year-old, who is currently associated with IPL
side Mumbai Indians as a mentor, is the highest run-getter in international
cricket and holds the record of 100 centuries. He said he was pained to see his
images being used to mislead people.

“I have never endorsed gambling, tobacco or
alcohol – directly or indirectly, in an individual capacity. It pains to see
that my images are being used to mislead people,” added Tendulkar.

Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar reveals moment when he had to return Virat Kohli’s gift

In 2020, ‘NCR Cricket League’ organisers used the
image of Indian star Virat Kohli without the cricketer’s consent, flashing the victory sign, inviting
participants to make teams on Mobile Premier League (MPL), the gaming platform
he promotes.

The league was banned by BCCI’s Anti-corruption Unit
(ACU). “We intercepted them at the stage of team selections. We sent out an
advisory to all our registered players not to participate,” said BCCI’s then
ACU head Ajit Singh.

Also Read: Sachin gives his verdict on Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli better cricketer debate

In 2016, Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja was fined
$300 after posting photos online of him and his wife posing in front of
endangered Asiatic lions. The images appeared to show the pair on foot during a
safari in June at the Gir National Park in western Gujarat state. Officials at
the park said they imposed a preliminary fine because “the cricketer
flouted the rules”.