Harassment incident shocks world and World Cup host city
Just days before their ICC Women’s World Cup fixture in Indore, a disturbing incident unfolded involving two Australian women’s cricketers. According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the players were walking to a nearby café from their hotel on the morning of October 23 when they were allegedly followed by a man on a motorcycle, who then inappropriately touched one of them before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred along Khajrana Road — an area close to where the Australian team was staying during the tournament — raising fresh concerns around player security at major international events.
The players immediately alerted their security manager, Danny Simmons, after the incident. A bystander who witnessed the situation noted the motorcycle’s registration number, which helped police trace and arrest the suspect. Local security liaison officers and a patrol unit were quickly dispatched to the scene, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra later met the players to record their statements.
Cricket Australia later confirmed the incident in a public statement:
“CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore. The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”
Police identify and arrest the accused
Law enforcement acted swiftly following the report. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), Rajesh Dandotiya, confirmed to The Indian Express that an FIR had been registered the same night and the accused arrested.
“We received a complaint from the Australian security team that two players faced inappropriate behaviour while returning to their hotel. A case was registered the same night, and the accused was arrested. The accused has previous criminal cases, and we are looking into his record.”
Further operational details were shared in a statement to ANI, where Dandotiya identified the accused as a resident of Azadnagar:
“The Security officers of the women’s Australian Cricket Team filed a complaint that two members of the team faced inappropriate behaviour. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation. The accused Aqueel is a resident of Azadnagar.”
He also confirmed the time and location of the incident:
“He has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the BNS. The incident occurred around 11 am on October 23, when members of the women’s Australian Cricket Team were walking towards a cafe from their hotel. We are examining if there were any shortfalls in the security protocols.”
A senior police officer, quoted by The Indian Express, revealed that the players sent a distress alert with live location details to the team’s security manager during the incident:
“The cricketer sent a live location to Simmons informing him that the accused was following them and had tried to grab one of them.”
ICC alleges protocol breach by Australians; ACA rejects claim
The International Cricket Council (ICC) also responded, asserting a breach in protocol by the Australian team and emphasizing their coordination with Indian authorities. An ICC spokesperson, as quoted by multiple outlets:
“They breached the protocols by allowing players to go out for solo runs in the city. The ICC, along with the BCCI, have ensured police arrest.” The spokesperson added that the ICC would continue its programme to remind athletes of security rules.
This was firmly rejected by Paul Marsh, CEO of the Australian Cricketers’ Association. Marsh asserted the players informed Simmons before they left, and traveled in a pair, rather than solo.
BCCI, and MPCA issue strong responses
Cricket officials in India responded, both condemning the act and praising the speed of the investigation. In an official statement, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said:
“It is a very condemnable but stray incident. India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents. 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. We assure to revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security.”
Official statement of Mr Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI condemning the incident towards the Australian cricketers in Indore
“This is a deeply regrettable and isolated incident. India has always been known for its warmth, hospitality, and care towards all guests. We…
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 25, 2025
In comments to ANI, Saikia added:
“Very unfortunate incident, and this type of incident brings disrepute. I appreciate the State police for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit.”
The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) echoed this sentiment. An official from the association said in a statement:
“An unfortunate incident has come to our notice. A couple of Australian players were subjected to inappropriate behavior by a miscreant. We have reported it to the police and the authorities have tracked down the culprit. We’re cooperating with the investigation.”
The MPCA official further added:
“We are happy that the two players are on the field today.”
MPCA Secretary Sudhir Asnani issued a detailed statement expressing sympathy and outrage over the incident:
“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. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and the dignity of women. It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience and continue to compete with courage and determination, carrying the pride of their nation on their shoulders in the match against South Africa.”
He further acknowledged the damage to Indore’s reputation as a cricket venue:
“Over the years, Indore is rated as a safe venue for visiting teams and dignitaries from other fields as well. It is deeply painful that the disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city’s image. As the host, MPCA extends apologies to the players for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident while in our city, known for safety, grace, and hospitality.”
Australia remain unbeaten despite distressing incident
Despite the off-field ordeal, both players took to the field in Australia’s final group-stage fixture against South Africa at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on October 25. Demonstrating remarkable composure and focus, the Australian team dismissed South Africa for just 97 runs and chased down the target in 16.5 overs, finishing at 98 for 3.
The seven-wicket win confirmed Australia’s dominant form in the tournament — completing the league stage unbeaten with six wins and one no-result from seven matches.
