Australian women cricketers molested in Indore
Two players from the Australia women’s cricket team were reportedly harassed and inappropriately touched while in India for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The incident took place in the city of Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh as the team was walking from their hotel to a café. According to officials, a motorcyclist trailed the two athletes and at one point touched one of them in an inappropriate manner.
Team security filed a complaint with local authorities and within hours the suspect—identified as Aqeel Khan (also spelled Akil Khan in some reports) —was arrested. 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 (Indian penal code).
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement condemning the incident, calling it “very condemnable” and affirming that the nation is known for its hospitality and the safety of visitors. The local host body, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), also expressed “deep pain and shock” and offered a formal apology to the visiting team.
The incident has drawn wider attention to the issue of security protocols at major international sporting events. The Australian team is said to have been immediately moved under increased security measures, and organisers are reviewing their procedures for athlete protection.
At this stage, the identities of the two players have not been publicly disclosed, and no further details regarding any disciplinary or legal actions beyond the arrest have been made public. Sensitivity and privacy concerns are being respected.
