Two members of Australia’s Women’s World Cup squad were subjected to inappropriate behaviour by a member of the public in Indore, Cricket Australia has confirmed. The incident occurred on Thursday, a rest day for the team following their six-wicket victory over England at the Holkar Stadium.
In a statement, Cricket Australia said: “We can confirm two members of the Australian women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a café in Indore. The matter was reported by team security to police who are handling the matter.”
According to reports from India, the players were walking from their hotel to a nearby café when they were followed by a man on a motorcycle. Rajesh Dandotiya, a deputy police commissioner in Indore, told BBC News Hindi that the accused trailed the women for some distance, making lewd remarks, before moving his motorcycle closer and making physical contact. The players immediately alerted their security detail, who reported the matter to local police.
The suspect was later identified through CCTV footage and arrested. Police confirmed that an investigation is under way and that additional security measures have been reviewed in the aftermath of the incident.
The Australian players involved have been offered support by team management and Cricket Australia. Officials stressed that the squad remains focused on the tournament and that the players will continue to participate in matches.
News of the arrest broke as Australia took to the field for their final group-stage match against South Africa on Saturday. With a semi-final place already secured, the fixture was their third at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, where they have spent much of the tournament. The team is scheduled to leave the city on Sunday, with their semi-final to be played in either Mumbai or Guwahati.
Australia entered the match against South Africa undefeated, seeking to extend their dominance in the competition. Should they progress, they will aim to become the first women’s side to win back-to-back one-day international World Cups in nearly four decades.
The International Cricket Council has been approached for comment on the incident. While the governing body has not yet issued a formal response, the matter has raised questions about player safety during major international tournaments.
Indore police have assured both Cricket Australia and the ICC that security arrangements for visiting teams are being reinforced. Local authorities have also emphasised that swift action was taken in this case, with the accused apprehended within 24 hours of the complaint being lodged.
