Cricket Australia has broken its silence regarding an incident during the Women's World Cup 2025 in Indore, India, where two members of the Australian team were reportedly harassed. The organization confirmed that the players were "touched inappropriately" by a man riding a motorcycle while they were walking from their hotel to a cafe.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning in the Khajrana Road area, while the players were staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel with the rest of the Australian squad. According to reports, the man followed the cricketers on his motorcycle and inappropriately touched one of them before fleeing the scene.
Following the incident, the Australian team's security manager, Danny Simmons, promptly filed a complaint at the MIG police station. Authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) and successfully apprehended the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi stated that the two cricketers had left their hotel and were walking towards a café when the incident occurred. The players immediately sent an SOS notification, which led to the swift arrival of security officers at the location.
"Cricket Australia is deeply concerned about the incident involving two of our players in Indore," a spokesperson stated. "Their safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we are providing them with all the necessary support. We are in constant communication with the team and local authorities to ensure the matter is resolved quickly and appropriately".
The quick response from the local authorities in apprehending the accused has been acknowledged by Cricket Australia. The organization has expressed gratitude for the support received and is working closely with the Indian authorities to ensure the safety of the team throughout the remainder of the World Cup.
The incident has raised concerns about the security arrangements for the Women's World Cup, and Cricket Australia is working with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and local organizers to review and enhance security measures. This includes increased police presence, enhanced surveillance, and stricter protocols for team movements.
"We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our players and staff," the Cricket Australia spokesperson added. "We are taking this incident very seriously and will implement all necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening again".
The Australian team is continuing to participate in the Women's World Cup, with increased security measures in place. Cricket Australia is providing ongoing support to the players involved, ensuring they have access to counseling and any other assistance they may need. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and security for athletes, particularly women, participating in international events.
