A shocking incident in Indore has sparked outrage after two Australian women cricketers were allegedly harassed, with one reportedly molested by a man on a motorcycle. The incident occurred while the players were walking near Khajrana Road on Thursday morning.
Police have arrested the accused, identified as Akil Khan, who reportedly has a criminal history. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) condemned the incident, calling it “unfortunate” and vowing to ensure such events do not happen again.
BCCI Calls Incident “Unfortunate”
The BCCI termed the incident deeply disturbing and said it tarnished the image of Indian cricket.
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla told ANI, “The entire incident is very unfortunate, and we condemn it. We will take all the required precautions. The Police have nabbed the accused.”
#WATCH | Delhi | On alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, Vice-President BCCI, Rajiv Shukla says, “The entire incident is very unfortunate, and we condemn it. We will take all the required precautions. The Police have nabbed the accused.” pic.twitter.com/e074RweoqG
— ANI (@ANI) October 25, 2025
He assured that the board will coordinate closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all players, especially during international tournaments hosted in India.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia echoed similar sentiments. “It is a very unfortunate incident. This type of incident brings disrepute. We appreciate the State Police (Madhya Pradesh) for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit,” he said.
What Happened in Indore
The incident reportedly occurred when the two Australian players stepped out of their hotel to visit a nearby café. According to police, a man on a motorcycle started following them and later touched one of the cricketers inappropriately before escaping the scene.
Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi confirmed that the players immediately informed their team’s security officer, Danny Simmons, who contacted local authorities for help.
The matter was quickly reported to Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra, who met the players and recorded their statements.
An FIR was filed at the 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).
Swift Police Action and Arrest
Police identified the accused as Akil Khan, based on the motorcycle’s registration number noted by a bystander. Khan was arrested on Friday after attempting to flee and suffering minor injuries during the chase.
Authorities later revealed that Khan had multiple criminal cases registered against him. “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on in the case,” ACP Mishra said.
Public and Official Reaction
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from cricket fans and officials alike. Many have called for stricter security for international women’s teams in India. The quick response by the Madhya Pradesh Police was appreciated, but the event has reignited concerns about women’s safety in public spaces.
As investigations continue, the BCCI has assured that it will coordinate with both the Madhya Pradesh Police and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reinforce safety measures for visiting players.
ALSO READ: Australian Women Cricketers Stalked & Molested in Indore During World Cup Trip
