Indian Police Arrest Man in Molestation of Two Australian Cricketers in Indore

Indore, India – A man has been arrested in Indore, India, following an alleged incident where two members of Australia’s women’s cricket World Cup squad were stalked and one was sexually molested. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 23, 2025, around 11 AM, as the players walked to a cafe from their hotel. The prompt action by local authorities led to the swift apprehension of the accused, identified as Aqeel, within six hours.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the distressing event, stating, "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 team's security manager, Danny Simmons, reported the matter to the police after receiving an emergency distress alert and message from one of the players. The original tweet highlighted the severity: > "Oh my God, two members of Australia’s women’s cricket World Cup squad were stalked and sexually molested by a man in India."

Indore Police arrested Aqeel, a resident of Khajrana, who has prior criminal cases registered against him. He has been charged under Sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to stalking and outraging a woman's modesty. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya confirmed the arrest and the accused's criminal history.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) swiftly condemned the incident, expressing deep regret and promising to review security protocols. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described the incident as "very condemnable" and assured that safety measures would be revisited. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) noted that the Australian side had "breached protocols" by allowing players to leave unescorted.

The Australian team was in Indore for the 13th edition of the Women's World Cup, having played a match against England the day prior to the incident. This event has cast a shadow on Indore's reputation as a safe city, prompting local leaders and cricket officials to emphasize their commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors. The players, despite the trauma, continued to compete in the tournament.