Two members of the Australian women’s cricket team, currently in India for the 13th edition of the Women’s World Cup, were “approached and touched inappropriately” in Indore on Thursday, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed in a statement on Saturday.
It is learnt that the players were walking to a café on Khajrana Road, about three kilometres from their hotel, the Radisson Blu, on Thursday morning when a motorcyclist committed the offence.
“Cricket Australia can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s Team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore,” the CA statement read.
“The matter was reported by team security to police who are handling the matter,” it further added.
Shortly after the incident, the players alerted the Australian team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, who filed a complaint at the M.I.G. Police Station. The police consequently registered a first information report (FIR). The accused, Aqueel Khan, has been arrested and charged under sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Devajit Saikia, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said, “It is a very condemnable but stray incident. India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents. We appreciate the State Police (Madhya Pradesh) for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit. We assure you we will revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security.”
Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) said it was ‘shocked’ by the incident. “No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident.
This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and dignity of women,” MPCA said in a statement.It added, “Over the years, Indore is rated as a safe venue for the visiting teams and dignitaries from other fields as well. It is deeply painful that the disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city’s image.
“As the host, MPCA extends apologies to the players for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident while in our city known for safety, grace, and hospitality.”
On Saturday, Australia, which has already qualified for the semifinals, is taking on South Africa in its final round-robin game of the tournament. This is also Indore’s final game of the event, with the semifinals and final scheduled for Guwahati and Navi Mumbai.
Published on Oct 25, 2025
