Young Delhi Capitals all-rounder Vipraj Nigam has landed in the middle of an unexpected controversy after receiving multiple threat calls and blackmail attempts from unknown international numbers. The 20-year-old cricketer, who recently rose to prominence through IPL 2025, has filed an official complaint with the Kotwali Nagar Police Station in Barabanki, seeking protection for himself and his family.
According to police sources, the calls began on 9 November, when Nigam started getting repeated phone calls from several internet-based numbers. When the cricketer blocked the numbers, the unknown caller—reportedly a woman—continued to contact him through different sources. The caller allegedly made inappropriate demands, and after Nigam refused, she threatened to leak fabricated content online to damage his reputation.
Shocked and mentally disturbed by the harassment, Nigam lodged an FIR, accusing the caller of blackmail, mental torture, and attempts to defame him publicly. His family is also deeply concerned, urging authorities to take swift action to avoid the young player being dragged into unnecessary controversy.
The police have now launched a detailed investigation. The cyber cell and technical teams are tracking digital footprints, call logs, and server trails to identify the origin of the communication. Officials believe the calls were made using masked internet numbers, a method often used in cyber-extortion cases.
Nigam, a promising leg-spinning all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, made headlines during IPL 2025 after Delhi Capitals bought him for ₹50 lakh. He played 14 matches in the season, scoring 142 runs and taking 11 important wickets. Before IPL, he impressed in the UPT20 League, picking 20 wickets in 12 matches for UP Falcons. He also made his Ranji Trophy debut recently, dismissing experienced players like Wriddhiman Saha and Anustup Majumdar.
The incident has raised concerns within India’s domestic cricket community, especially given the rising trend of cyber-harassment involving high-profile athletes. Police have assured the cricketer’s family that strict action will be taken soon.
As investigations continue, fans and cricket figures have expressed support for Nigam, urging authorities to ensure the young player’s safety so that he can focus on his cricketing career without fear.
