Australia Women’s Cricket Team Receives Tightened Security in India After Indore Incident

The ICC Women’s World Cup in India was hit by controversy and widespread concern after two members of the Australian women’s cricket team were stalked and one was molested by a local man on Khajrana Road, Indore. The incident took place on Thursday morning, just after Australia’s victory against England, as the players walked from the Radisson Blu Hotel to a nearby cafe for a routine outing.

Details of the Incident

The players were followed and inappropriately touched by the assailant, identified as Aqeel Khan, a 30-year-old with a history of criminal offences including molestation and attempted murder. Security chief Danny Simmons, accompanying the Australian team, received an SOS live location from the distressed players and quickly mobilized staff to ensure their safe return to the hotel. The team immediately lodged a formal complaint with the local police.

Indore police swung into action, launching a coordinated manhunt involving five police stations. Thanks to CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts that spotted the suspect’s bike, Aqeel was arrested within six hours. He later confessed to following and molesting the players after initially claiming he wanted a selfie. Aqeel was produced in court and remanded to judicial custody for 15 days.

Strong Security Measures and Response

Following the incident, criticism poured in from across the globe, sparking urgent conversations about athlete safety in major sporting events hosted in India. Tournament organisers, local police, and BCCI moved quickly to ramp up security protocols for all World Cup teams, not only in Indore but especially around hotels and match venues in Navi Mumbai, set to host the upcoming semi-finals and final.

A visible sign of these precautions was shared on social media by Monica Wright, wife of Australian star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. Posting on Instagram, she showed a police escort accompanying them to a café, reflecting the now standard high-alert protocol for players and their families.

Broader Impact and Calls for Accountability

The incident has triggered a broader debate on India’s commitments as a safe sporting destination, especially ahead of global competitions like the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Officials have promised thorough reviews of existing protocols and pledged that sporting talent and their families will be kept safe wherever they go. The speed of the police action and subsequent security upgrades were widely welcomed, but many believe stronger, systemic changes are still needed.

As the World Cup enters its most crucial phase, players are trying to move forward with their on-field focus—all while tournament organisers work behind the scenes to ensure their off-field safety and peace of mind.