Two Australian Cricketers Molested in Indore Shock India

By Harshit - Oct 25, 2025 06:26 PM
Last updated on Oct 25, 2025 06:26 PM

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Indore took a shocking turn when two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested by a man on a motorcycle while walking to a café on Thursday morning. The incident occurred a day after Australia’s victory over England, just as the team was preparing for its final league match against South Africa. What should have been a routine walk turned into a distressing episode that has sparked outrage, swift police action, and an urgent review of player safety measures.

Cricket Australia confirmed that two members of the women’s team were “approached and touched inappropriately” by a motorcyclist while heading out for coffee near their team hotel in Indore. The team’s security staff immediately intervened and reported the incident to local police. Both players were safely escorted back to their hotel, and the Australian management extended full support to the victims, working closely with the authorities to ensure justice and enhanced protection for the squad.

The unsettling event has overshadowed what was otherwise a promising campaign for Australia, who are leading the points table. It has also reignited global conversations around the safety of female athletes during international tournaments, particularly in host cities known for bustling public areas and fan interactions.

The Incident and Arrest

According to officials, the incident took place around 11 a.m. on October 23, 2025, on Khajrana Road, Indore. The players were walking from their hotel, the Radisson Blu, to a nearby café when a man on a motorcycle followed and allegedly touched them inappropriately before fleeing. Team security quickly alerted the police, who began an intensive operation to locate the suspect. Multiple CCTV feeds along the route were reviewed, and eyewitness accounts were gathered to trace the motorbike and its rider.

Within six hours, police arrested the accused, identified as Aqeel, a resident of Azad Nagar with a prior criminal record. Authorities said the man was tracked through his vehicle registration number and surveillance footage. The suspect was charged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to outraging a woman’s modesty and stalking. Officials described the response as “swift and coordinated,” emphasizing that the police acted with urgency due to the international sensitivity of the case.

Reactions from Authorities

Cricket Australia expressed deep concern and confirmed that the matter was being handled in close coordination with law enforcement. In its official statement, CA said: “The safety and wellbeing of our players is our top priority. We are offering full support to the players involved and are working with authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.”

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the act and expressing solidarity with the affected players. “No woman should ever have to endure such trauma,” it said. “Our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. As hosts, we deeply regret that such a shameful act occurred in our city and extend our sincerest apologies to the Australian team.”

The MPCA further stated that Indore had long been considered one of the safest and most hospitable cricketing venues in India, hosting international matches without prior incident. However, it acknowledged that this episode had “cast an unfortunate shadow” over the city’s image, and pledged to work closely with law enforcement to strengthen protocols for visiting teams.

Police and Security Measures

Indore’s Additional District Commissioner of Police, Rajesh Dandotiya, confirmed that the accused had been taken into custody and that further interrogation was underway. He revealed that an internal review was being conducted to identify any lapses in security arrangements. “The incident happened when the players were walking from their hotel to a café without an escort vehicle. We are examining where the protocol was breached and ensuring this does not happen again,” he said.

Following the incident, a high-level meeting was convened between the Indore Police Commissionerate, the MPCA, and representatives of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Additional patrols and security personnel have since been deployed near the team hotels and practice venues. Strict escort guidelines have been reintroduced, requiring players to be accompanied by security even during short walks or leisure activities outside the hotel premises.

Impact on the Team and Tournament

Despite the distressing event, the Australian players have continued their World Cup campaign with remarkable composure. They remain at the top of the table, though the emotional impact of the incident has been acknowledged by team management. Support staff and counselors have been made available to ensure the wellbeing of the players involved and the entire squad.

The Women’s World Cup schedule remains unchanged, with Australia set to face South Africa in their last group-stage fixture in Indore. A win would confirm their place at the top of the points table and set up a semi-final clash against India in Navi Mumbai on October 30. If they lose, Australia would face England in the first semi-final in Guwahati, while South Africa would top the standings.

Lessons for Future Tournaments

The incident has triggered a wider debate on how host nations safeguard visiting athletes, especially women. Experts and former cricketers have called for stricter enforcement of player protection measures beyond stadiums, emphasizing that team security should not end once players step off the field. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to conduct an independent review of the incident in collaboration with Cricket Australia and the BCCI.

For Indore, which has prided itself on being one of India’s cleanest and safest cities, the case is a sobering reminder of how a single lapse can damage reputation and trust. Authorities have vowed to restore confidence by implementing comprehensive safety protocols for all international teams and officials visiting the city.

As the tournament continues, the episode serves as a stark reminder that the spirit of cricket extends far beyond boundaries and scoreboards—it is also about respect, safety, and dignity. The hope remains that this painful experience leads to stronger safeguards, ensuring that no player or athlete, anywhere in the world, has to endure such trauma again.

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