Australian Cricketers Face Harassment in Indore During World Cup

Incident Involving Australian Cricketers

On Thursday morning, two players from the Australian women's cricket team were reportedly stalked and sexually harassed in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, while they were en route to a cafe near their accommodation, as per reports.

The athletes are currently in India participating in the 13th ICC Women’s World Cup. They had recently played against England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore and were scheduled to face South Africa at the same venue shortly after.

While walking along Khajrana Road, a man named Aqueel Khan allegedly followed the players on a motorcycle, inappropriately touched one of them, and then fled the scene.

Authorities apprehended Khan later that evening, using the motorcycle registration number noted by a witness.

Khan has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which address assault and stalking aimed at women, according to reports.

The team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, lodged a complaint at the MIG Police Station, stating that he received a live location alert from one of the players at 11:08 AM, followed by a call detailing the incident.

Following the report, a police patrol unit, along with the team’s liaison officers, escorted the players back to their hotel.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra later met with the players to take their statements.

Cricket Australia confirmed that the players were approached and inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe.

Devajit Saikia, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, described the incident as a “very condemnable but stray occurrence,” emphasizing India's reputation for hospitality and care. He expressed gratitude to the state police for their swift action in apprehending the suspect and assured that safety protocols would be reviewed if necessary.