The Australian women’s cricket team’s tour of India took a distressing turn on the morning of October 23, 2025, when two of its players were stalked and inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist while walking to a café in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. near the players’ hotel on Ring Road, has sparked national outrage and reignited debate over the safety of visiting sports teams during international tournaments in India.
According to multiple official statements and police reports, the two cricketers were making their way from the Radisson Blu Hotel to a nearby café when a man, later identified as 30-year-old Akil (or Aqueel) Khan, began following them on his motorcycle. Dressed in a white shirt and black cap and notably not wearing a helmet, Khan allegedly approached the players, touched one of them inappropriately, and then fled the scene. The players, acting quickly, resisted the advance and immediately contacted their team security manager, Danny Simmons, sending a live location notification at 11:08 a.m. to alert him to their distress.
Simmons responded without delay, coordinating with local security and arranging for the players’ safe return to the hotel. The incident was formally reported to local police, who launched an investigation involving the review of CCTV footage, hotel records, and statements from both security personnel and witnesses. A bystander’s quick thinking in noting down the motorcycle’s registration number proved pivotal, enabling authorities to track down the suspect that same evening.
Akil Khan was arrested late on October 23, 2025, after a swift search operation led by Indore’s Additional DCP (Crime Branch), Rajesh Dandotiya. Police confirmed that Khan has previous criminal cases registered against him and that, following his arrest, he sustained injuries in custody, including a suspected broken arm and broken leg. He was later paraded before cameras, further fueling public and media attention.
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 74 (assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Indian criminal code. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra met with the affected players to record their statements, ensuring that the investigation was thorough and sensitive to the players’ trauma.
The incident occurred during a break in the Australian team’s ICC Women’s World Cup campaign. The players had just faced England at Holkar Stadium in Indore the previous day and were preparing for their final group-stage match against South Africa. Despite the emotional toll of the incident, the team chose to continue competing, with support from Cricket Australia and local authorities. According to Cricket Australia’s official statement, “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 matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”
In the aftermath, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) issued strong condemnations. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia called the event a “very condemnable but stray incident,” adding, “India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents. 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. We assure to revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security.”
MPCA Secretary Sudhir Asnani echoed the sentiment, stating, “The MPCA is deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour with two players from the Australian Women’s Cricket Team on the streets of Indore near the team hotel. No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and the dignity of women. As the host, MPCA extends apologies to the players for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident while in our city, known for safety, grace, and hospitality.”
State Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya addressed the media, describing the attack as “a stain on India’s image” and calling for the strictest possible action against the perpetrator. “This is not just misbehaviour with a woman player, but a stain on India’s image. Strictest action must be taken against those responsible so that no one dares to tarnish the nation’s reputation in the future,” he said, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance stance and the need for exemplary punishment.
The incident has not only led to widespread condemnation but has also prompted a review of security protocols for international sporting events in India. BCCI and MPCA officials have both assured that safety measures will be revisited and strengthened if necessary, with the goal of preventing any recurrence of such incidents. The Australian players were reportedly offered counselling, and despite the trauma, they demonstrated remarkable resilience by choosing to continue their World Cup campaign.
On the field, the Australians responded with characteristic determination. In their final group-stage match at Holkar Stadium, they defeated South Africa by seven wickets, thanks in part to a standout performance by legspinner Alana King, who claimed 7-18. The victory ensured that Australia topped their group with 13 points from seven games, setting up a highly anticipated semi-final clash against hosts India. The team’s ability to rise above adversity and focus on cricket has drawn praise from officials and fans alike.
This distressing incident has, however, reignited debate over the adequacy of security arrangements for visiting athletes in India. Politicians and cricket administrators have faced tough questions from the media and public regarding the safety of international teams, particularly women’s squads. While Indore has generally been regarded as a safe venue for visiting teams and dignitaries, the disorderly actions of a single individual have cast a shadow over the city’s reputation and the country’s image as a hospitable host.
As the Women’s World Cup advances, the spotlight remains on both the Australian team’s impressive performance and the urgent need for robust security protocols. The swift arrest of the accused and the outpouring of support for the affected players underscore a collective determination to ensure that the dignity and safety of athletes are never compromised, no matter where the game is played.
With the semi-finals looming and Australia set to face India in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter, the team’s courage and composure in the face of adversity have become a rallying point for fans and officials alike. The hope is that the lessons learned from this incident will lead to stronger protections for all athletes, ensuring that the spirit of competition remains undiminished by off-field threats.
