Two Australian women cricketers participating in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India were reportedly followed and one was molested by a man on a motorcycle in Indore, police confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning near Khajrana Road, led to the swift arrest of the suspect, identified as Akil Khan, on Friday.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi stated that the two cricketers were walking towards a cafe after leaving their hotel when a man on a motorcycle began following them. He allegedly touched one of the players inappropriately before accelerating away.
The cricketers immediately alerted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who contacted local security liaison officers to arrange a vehicle and assistance. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra subsequently met with the players, recorded their statements, and registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the MIG police station.
The FIR was filed under sections 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police were able to trace and apprehend the suspect, Akil Khan, after a bystander who witnessed the incident noted down the motorcycle’s registration number. ACP Mishra confirmed that Khan has previous criminal cases registered against him and that the investigation is currently underway.
The incident has raised concerns regarding the safety of international athletes competing in the city for the prestigious ICC tournament.