“The matter was reported by team security to police"
Two members of the Australian women’s cricket team were “touched inappropriately” while walking to a café in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed.
The incident took place on October 23, 2025, a day after Australia’s six-wicket win against England in the ICC Women’s World Cup.
The players were reportedly walking from their hotel to a nearby café when a man on a motorcycle approached and harassed them.
Cricket Australia said in a 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.”
The players immediately sent an SOS alert to team security following the assault.
Security personnel reached the scene quickly, and a formal complaint was lodged at the MIG police station by the Australian team’s security manager, Danny Simmons.
The man was described as being around 30 years old, wearing a white shirt and black cap, and riding a motorcycle.
According to The Times of India, local police identified a suspect soon after the report was filed.
A man named Akil Khan was later arrested in connection with the incident.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi said the two players had stepped out of their hotel and were walking towards a café when the motorcyclist followed them. He allegedly touched them inappropriately before speeding away.
The players then contacted Simmons, who coordinated with local security officers and dispatched a response team to assist them.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the players and recorded their statements. She confirmed that an FIR had been registered under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A bystander had noted down the motorcycle’s registration number, which led to Khan’s arrest.
Mishra said: “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is ongoing.”
The Australian team, currently staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Indore, has been cooperating with local authorities. The incident has prompted increased security measures for the squad.
In the World Cup, Australia are playing South Africa in their final group-stage match, before next week’s semi-final.
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