Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly condemned an incident in Indore where two Australian women cricketers were reportedly inappropriately touched. The incident occurred while the players were walking to a café from their hotel on Thursday morning, during the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.
Gavaskar expressed his disappointment, stating that such behavior contradicts India's cultural values of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (the guest is equivalent to God). He called the incident "heinous" and emphasized the need for strict punishment. Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar stated, "Yes, I think because we are famous for Atithi Devo Bhava, to hear of this is very, very sad. It is, without question, a heinous incident. The law will take its course for sure, but I do hope that the guilty person is punished severely - you lock him up and throw away the keys. That's the only way, I think".
The incident took place a day after the Australian team's victory against England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. According to reports, a man on a motorcycle approached the cricketers and inappropriately touched one of them before fleeing. Following a complaint filed by the team's security officer, Danny Simmons, police launched an investigation.
The accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, was apprehended by the police. He has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the criminal code, addressing assault or using criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty, and stalking, respectively. Authorities are also examining potential security lapses.
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) also conveyed their distress regarding the event. In a statement, MPCA Secretary Sudhir Asnani said, “The MPCA is deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour with two players from the Australian Women's Cricket Team on the streets of Indore near the team hotel. No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident". The MPCA also extended a sincere apology to the Australian team.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also voiced his discontent. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia thanked the police for their prompt action, stating, "It is a very unfortunate incident. This type of incident brings disrepute. We appreciate the State Police (Madhya Pradesh) for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit". He added that the BCCI would revisit safety protocols to ensure enhanced security.
Cricket Australia confirmed the incident and stated that the matter was reported to the police, who are handling the investigation. The organization has offered support to the players, who are expected to continue participating in the tournament. Despite the incident, Australia's subsequent match against South Africa proceeded as scheduled at the Holkar Stadium. The team is scheduled to leave Indore on Sunday for a semi-final match against India in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
