Australia women cricketers faced a disturbing incident in Indore ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, sparking swift responses from both the BCCI and Cricket Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about the event, the reactions, and what it means for player safety during international tournaments.
Table of Contents
- What Happened in Indore?
- BCCI’s Immediate Reaction
- Cricket Australia’s Official Statement
- Police Response and Arrest
- Player Safety During International Events
- Sources
What Happened in Indore?
Two members of the Australia women cricketers squad were allegedly stalked and inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist while walking to a café in Indore, Madhya Pradesh . The incident occurred as the team was preparing for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which is set to be hosted in India .
Team security personnel acted swiftly, reporting the incident to local authorities within minutes. The players were visibly shaken but unharmed physically. The Australian team management ensured immediate psychological support was made available to the affected individuals .
BCCI’s Immediate Reaction
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a strong condemnation of the incident. In an official statement, the BCCI emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment or misconduct involving international players .
“The BCCI strongly condemns the alleged stalking and molestation incident involving two Australian women cricketers in Indore. We are working closely with local authorities to ensure strictest action is taken,” the statement read .
The board also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining India’s reputation as a safe and welcoming host for global sporting events.
Cricket Australia’s Official Statement
Cricket Australia confirmed the incident and expressed its appreciation for the prompt response from Indian authorities. The organization stated that the safety and well-being of its players remain its top priority .
“We are grateful for the swift action taken by local police and the support offered by the BCCI. Our focus remains on ensuring our players feel secure and supported as they prepare for the World Cup,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said .
Police Response and Arrest
Indore police acted quickly, arresting the accused—identified as Akil Khan—within hours of the report. According to local authorities, Khan has a history of prior criminal cases, raising concerns about security protocols in player accommodation zones .
An investigation is currently underway, with police reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. Officials have assured that legal proceedings will be expedited to deliver justice and reinforce public confidence in India’s ability to host major international events safely .
Player Safety During International Events
This incident has reignited discussions around athlete safety, especially for women competing abroad. While India has successfully hosted numerous international tournaments, this event underscores the need for enhanced security measures around team hotels and training venues.
Experts suggest that future events should include dedicated security corridors, mandatory local police escorts for off-field movements, and real-time communication channels between team managements and host authorities.
Why This Matters for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 just around the corner, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the responsibilities host nations bear—not just in logistics, but in ensuring the dignity and safety of every athlete. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see how India responds in the coming weeks.
Sources
- Times of India – Australia Women Cricketers Molested in Indore
- BCCI Official Statement (as reported by multiple news outlets)
- Cricket Australia Press Release