In a shocking incident ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, two Australian women cricketers were allegedly stalked and molested by a motorcycle-borne man in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, police said on Saturday.
The incident took place on Thursday morning, two days before Australia’s top-of-the-table clash with South Africa in the tournament.
According to the police, the two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel, the Radisson Blu, and were walking towards a nearby café when a man on a motorcycle followed them on Khajrana Road.
“He allegedly touched one of the players inappropriately and sped away,” said Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi.
The players immediately informed their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local police and security liaisons. A police vehicle was dispatched to assist the cricketers, and an FIR was soon registered.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the two players, recorded their statements, and filed a case at the MIG police station under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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A bystander who witnessed the incident noted the motorcycle number, leading police to identify the accused as Aqeel Khan, a local resident with a criminal history.
“The accused has previous cases registered against him and was arrested shortly after identification. The investigation is ongoing,” officer Raghuvanshi said.
Team in Indore for ICC Women’s World Cup
The Australian women’s cricket team has been stationed in Indore for a week, having played against England on Wednesday, just a day before the assault.
The team is set to face South Africa next and will travel to Guwahati or Mumbai depending on their semi-final qualification.
Meanwhile, police have stepped up security in and around the team’s hotel and training venues following the incident.
The incident has reignited discussions around women’s safety in public spaces.
Earlier, ultramarathon runner Ashwini Ganapathi, in an interview with India Today, highlighted the everyday harassment faced by women on Indian streets and urged stronger administrative accountability.
