BCCI secretary breaks silence on harassment incident involving Australian cricketers in Indore during Women’s World Cup 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly condemned the unfortunate molestation incident involving two Australian women cricketers in Indore on Thursday. The players were allegedly ‘approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist’ while walking to a café from their hotel. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his displeasure, stating such an incident brings disrepute but praised the Madhya Pradesh Police for their prompt action in arresting the accused, Aqeel Khan. The BCCI further promised to revisit and tighten safety protocols for the remainder of the Women’s World Cup, assuring visitors of India’s renowned hospitality and their zero-tolerance policy against such misconduct.

Women’s World Cup 2025: BCCI and MPCA condemn incident with Australian players and assure action

The BCCI and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) issued strong, unified statements condemning the alleged stalking and molestation incident involving two Australian women cricketers. BCCI Secretary Saikia didn’t mince words, telling ANI, ‘Very unfortunate incident, and this type of incident brings disrepute.’ He followed up with a formal statement on Saturday, asserting, ‘It is a very condemnable but stray incident. India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents.’

Saikia specifically lauded the state police, adding, ‘I appreciate the State police for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit.’ He also gave a firm assurance regarding future safety, stating, ‘We assure to revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security ahead of the knock-out stage of the World Cup.’

Similarly, the MPCA conveyed its deep shock and anguish, saying, ‘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 in Indore.’ The association stressed the emotional toll, declaring, ‘No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident.’

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Women’s World Cup 2025: Details of the incident and arrest of the accused

The unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday at around 11 am on the Khajrana Road area of Indore while the two Australian cricketers, who are in the city for a league stage match of the Women’s World Cup, were walking from their hotel toward a nearby café. According to both Cricket Australia’s statement and police confirmation, the players were “approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist” who then rode off.

The matter was immediately reported by the team’s security officer, Danny Simmons, to local security liaison officers, prompting a swift police response. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rajesh Dandotiyan, confirmed that an FIR was registered after the team’s security complained about the ‘inappropriate behavior.’ Utilizing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, the police were able to identify and successfully arrest the accused, identified as Aqeel of Azadnagar.

Khan has been charged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Section 74 (outraging a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking), ensuring legal proceedings commence immediately. The MPCA acknowledged the subsequent damage to the city’s reputation, stating, ‘It is deeply painful that the disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city’s image,’ while reaffirming their commitment to cooperate fully with all investigating agencies.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.