Two Australian women cricketers were allegedly touched inappropriately by a man on a motorcycle in Indore on Thursday, just a day after their win against England in the Women’s World Cup. The incident took place while the players were walking to a café near their hotel, ahead of their final league match against South Africa.
Cricket Australia confirmed the assault in a statement, saying, “CA can confirm two members of the Australian women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a café in Indore. The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”
Indore police later arrested the accused, identified as Aqeel, a resident of Azad Nagar who has a prior criminal record. Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional District Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), said, “The Australian team’s security in-charge filed a complaint. Within six hours, we arrested the culprit after an intensive operation. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on October 23 when the players were walking from Hotel Radisson to a nearby café.”
He added that a meeting was held with officials from the BCCI and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) to review security arrangements. “We are examining where the security protocol was breached,” he said.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia condemned the incident, calling it “very condemnable,” and assured that the board would “revisit our safety protocols if required.”
The MPCA expressed deep regret over the assault. “We are deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct with two players from the Australian Women’s Cricket Team. No woman should ever have to endure such trauma,” the association said in a statement. “It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience and continue to compete with courage and determination.”
They also apologized to the Australian team, saying, “As the host, MPCA extends sincere apologies for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident. Indore has always been known for its safety, grace, and hospitality, and we regret that one individual’s actions have cast a shadow over our city.”
Australia finished at the top of the World Cup league table and will face India in the semi-final on October 30 in Navi Mumbai, while South Africa will play England in Guwahati on October 29.
