Two Australian women cricketers participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 were reportedly stalked and one allegedly molested in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, police confirmed on Saturday, October 25. The unsettling incident occurred on Thursday, two days before Australia’s top-of-the-table clash against South Africa.
According to the police, while both players were being stalked, one of them was allegedly molested by a man identified as Aqeel Khan. The incident occurred on Khajrana Road, where the players were walking from their accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel to a nearby café in the morning.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi told the media that the two cricketers noticed a man on a motorcycle following them. The suspect allegedly touched one of the players inappropriately before speeding away. The players immediately contacted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security liaison officers to ensure their safety.
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Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met the cricketers, recorded their statements, and registered a first information report at MIG Police Station under sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A bystander reportedly noted the motorcycle number, which led to the apprehension of Aqeel Khan, who has prior criminal cases registered against him. The investigation is ongoing.
Aqeel, the suspect for molesting! https://t.co/cR3v7YjLsb pic.twitter.com/qF79EUIly6
— चिरकुट ज़िंदगी (@Chirayu_Jain26) October 25, 2025
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from both cricket authorities and public figures. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed concern over the event, stating, “It is a regrettable incident. This type of incident brings disrepute. We appreciate the State Police for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit.”
Earlier, ultramarathon runner Ashwini Ganapathi had highlighted the broader issue of women facing harassment on the streets, pointing out societal and administrative shortcomings.
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The Australian team has been stationed in Indore for a week, having played England on Wednesday, the day before the incident. They are scheduled to face South Africa on Thursday, after which they will travel to either Guwahati or Mumbai depending on their semi-final opponent. The swift police response ensured the players’ safety, but the incident has raised questions about women’s security even for international sports teams visiting India.
