On 25 October 2025, ahead of the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, two members of the Australia women’s national cricket team were allegedly molested by a motorcyclist while walking from their hotel to a café in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The players’ security reported the incident immediately after they triggered an SOS with live-location data.
Police registered an FIR under sections 74 and 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — covering “assault or use of criminal force” with intent to outrage a woman’s modesty and stalking. Within six hours of the complaint, authorities arrested 30-year-old Aqeel Khan (also known as “Nitra”), a repeat offender with more than ten criminal cases including molestation, robbery and assault. He had recently been jailed for ten years and released from Bhairavgarh prison.
According to investigating officers, Khan first claimed he merely wanted a selfie with the players, but admitted during questioning to following them on a motorcycle and making physical contact with both. CCTV footage and eyewitnesses helped pin down his identity and led to the arrest.
The incident has sparked harsh criticism of security at international sports venues in India. The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) called the episode “shameful” and extended an apology to the Australian team, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) praised the swift police response but said the case exposed “serious gaps” in player safety protocols.
Australian coach and support staff have declined to comment further, citing privacy and ongoing investigations. The players continued with their match later the same day at Holkar Stadium and secured a victory, but the incident has cast a shadow over the tournament and raised global concerns about athlete security.
