Shocking Incident in Indore: Australian Women Cricketers Allegedly

Molested During Women’s World Cup

In a disturbing incident during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested while walking in Indore, India, on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The players, part of the Australian team competing in the tournament, were staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, when the incident occurred. This shocking event has raised concerns about player safety during international tournaments and has drawn attention to the quick response by local authorities to address the situation.

^{Australia is in India for the Women’s World Cup; (right) CCTV footage of the accused.© AFP}

According to reports, the two cricketers had left their hotel in the morning and were walking toward a nearby café in the Khajrana Road area when they were approached by a man on a motorcycle. The man, later identified as Aqeel Khan, allegedly followed the players and touched them inappropriately before speeding off. The players immediately sent an SOS notification to their team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, alerting him to the incident. Simmons acted swiftly, coordinating with local security liaison officers and dispatching a vehicle to assist the players.

Local police were informed, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met with the cricketers to record their statements. Based on the complaint filed by Simmons at the MIG police station, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) 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 who witnessed the incident noted the suspect’s motorcycle number, which helped the police track down and arrest Aqeel Khan on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi, who is part of the investigation, confirmed that Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him. The police are continuing their investigation to ensure justice is served. The swift response by the authorities and the arrest of the accused have been praised, but the incident has sparked discussions about the safety of international athletes in host cities.

The Australian women’s cricket team is in India for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which began on September 30, 2025, and will conclude on November 2, 2025. The tournament has seen exciting matches, with Australia performing strongly. On October 22, 2025, the Australian team defeated England by six wickets in a match held in Indore, showcasing their dominance in the competition. However, this unfortunate incident has cast a shadow over their campaign.

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has been a highly anticipated event, featuring top teams like India, Australia, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Matches are being played across various cities in India, including Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai, and Colombo. The tournament has drawn large crowds and significant media attention, with fans following live scores, fixtures, and results closely. India, the host nation, has also been in the spotlight, with their women’s team securing a 53-run victory over New Zealand on October 23, 2025, under the DLS method.

This incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of international athletes during major sporting events. The Australian team’s management has not released an official statement about the incident, but it is likely they will work closely with local authorities and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to address safety concerns. The players involved in the incident have not been named, respecting their privacy during this difficult time.

The local police’s quick action in apprehending the suspect demonstrates their commitment to protecting visitors and maintaining law and order. The arrest of Aqeel Khan, who allegedly has a history of criminal behavior, has been a step toward delivering justice. However, the incident has sparked broader conversations about the need for enhanced security measures for athletes, especially in busy urban areas like Indore.

The Women’s World Cup continues to be a celebration of women’s cricket, with thrilling matches and standout performances. On October 26, 2025, fans are looking forward to two key matches: England Women vs. New Zealand Women in Visakhapatnam at 11:00 AM IST, and India Women vs. Bangladesh Women in Navi Mumbai at 3:00 PM IST. Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise when hosting large-scale international events.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the affected players and ensuring their safety for the remainder of the tournament. The cricketing community and fans worldwide are hoping for a swift resolution and stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The ICC and local authorities are expected to review security protocols to ensure that all participants can focus on their performance without fear for their personal safety.

This incident, while unfortunate, has not dampened the spirit of the Women’s World Cup, which continues to showcase the talent and resilience of women cricketers from around the globe. Fans are encouraged to stay updated on the tournament through reliable sources like NDTV Sports for live scores, news, and match highlights.

This article is based on information from NDTV and PTI, with inputs compiled for America News World by Atish.