In a troubling incident in Indore, two Australian players were victims of inappropriate behavior by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe. This occurred just days after Australia secured a victory against England in their final league match of the Women’s World Cup. Cricket Australia confirmed that the players were approached and touched inappropriately, bringing the incident to the attention of local police through team security.
Rajesh Dandotiya, the additional district commissioner of police for the Indore crime branch, indicated that the authorities swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of the suspect, Aqeel, who has a prior criminal history. Dandotiya noted that the incident took place around 11am on October 23, as the players made their way from the Radisson hotel to a nearby cafe. Following the report, police conducted a focused operation within hours to apprehend the offender.
The situation elicited strong condemnation from local sports officials. Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), characterized the act as “very condemnable” and promised a review of safety protocols. The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) expressed its shock and sorrow over the misconduct, emphasizing that no woman should experience such trauma. They reaffirmed their values of respect and dignity, highlighting the remarkable strength of the Australian players as they prepared for their next match amidst the distressing circumstances.
MPCA further conveyed their regret over the incident, noting that it tarnishes Indore’s reputation as a safe destination for international teams. They extended heartfelt apologies to the Australian squad, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all visitors.
Despite the unsettling occurrence, Australia managed to maintain its composure and finished the league stage at the top of the Women’s World Cup points table, gearing up for a semi-final match against India on October 30. Meanwhile, South Africa is set to face England in the first semi-final on October 29 in Guwahati. This resilience demonstrates the players’ dedication, as they rise above adversity, carrying the aspirations of their nation into the next stages of the tournament.