In a shocking incident during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, two Australian women cricketers were touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a café in Indore, India, on Thursday morning.
According to reports, the players were heading out for breakfast near Khajrana Road when a man on a motorcycle allegedly stalked and molested one of them before fleeing the scene. The players immediately informed their team security, who reported the matter to the local police.
Authorities quickly registered a case under Sections 74 (outraging a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. With the help of a bystander who noted the vehicle’s registration number, the accused—identified as Aqeel Khan—was arrested within 24 hours.
Cricket Australia confirmed the incident in an official statement, saying:
“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, and the players are being supported by officials.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly condemned the act, calling it “deeply unfortunate” and praising the swift action of local police. The BCCI emphasized that such behavior “goes against the spirit of India’s hospitality and respect for visiting teams.”
Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) stated that additional security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of all international players participating in the tournament.
The incident has sparked global outrage and reignited concerns over women’s safety in public spaces and during international sporting events. Despite the incident, the Australian women’s team continued their World Cup campaign as scheduled.
Cricket fans, athletes, and social activists across social media have demanded stricter security protocols for female athletes, with many expressing solidarity and calling for stronger measures to protect women in sport.
