Zero tolerance for such incidents: BCCI breaks silence after Australian women cricketers molested in Indore

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly condemned the alleged molestation and stalking incident involving two Australian cricketers, stating that they have a zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents. Two Aussie women cricketers, currently in India for the Women's ODI World Cup 2025, were allegedly stalked and molested on their way to a cafe from their team hotel in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Thursday.

The players were harassed by a motorcycle-borne man, who followed the two women cricketers and tried to allegedly touch them inappropriately before running away. The players sent a distress signal to the Australian team's security officer, Danny Simmons, who dispatched a vehicle for their assistance.

The incident took place at the Khajrana Road area on Thursday morning, when the players were heading to a cafe from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Indore. The accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Police, who have registered a case under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman's modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the MIG Police Station.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia strongly condemned the shocking incident in a statement released on Saturday. He said BCCI has zero tolerance towards such incidents, while thanking the MP Police for their prompt action. Saikia also vowed to review the security arrangements ahead of the knockout stage of the tournament.

"It is a very condemnable but stray incident. 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," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.

"Let the law take its course to punish the culprit. We assure to revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security," he added.

As per sub-inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi, a bystander had noted the registration number of the accused's motorcycle, which led to his arrest. Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is underway after his arrest.

The Australian women's team have been stationed in Indore for over a week for their matches in the ongoing Women's ODI World Cup 2025. They defeated South Africa at the Holkar Stadium in Indore in their final group game to top the standings with 13 points from 7 matches. Unbeaten in the tournament so far, Australia will take on India in the second semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on October 30.