BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla has spoken about an incident where a man sexually assaulted two Australian players at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup-2025 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
He told the media, "We strongly condemn this incident. It's important to remember that these female players are guests from another country and should be treated with respect. The Indore Police have arrested some people related to this case and are taking action. The BCCI and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association are also responding to this situation."
Rajiv Shukla added, "The BCCI wants to make sure that such incidents never happen again."
The police have opened a case after a complaint from the Australian team's security officer, Danny Simmons. They have charged the accused under laws related to assault and stalking.
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is being played in India and Sri Lanka from September 30, with the final scheduled for November 2.
Youth on bike touched women players inappropriately
Two Australian women cricketers were walking from their hotel in Indore to a cafe early on Saturday morning when a young man on a bike chased them and touched one of them inappropriately. Following a complaint, police arrested the accused, Aqeel Khan. At the time of arrest he was wearing a bandage on his hand and a plaster cast on his leg.
The incident occurred near Khajrana Road when the cricketers were walking to a cafe. A young man wearing a white shirt and a black cap on a bike suddenly approached them and molested them. The women cricketers immediately sent an SMS and informed security officials.
A passerby noted the bike's number and gave it to the police. However, the accused fell from a height while trying to escape and was later arrested while wearing a bandage and plaster cast.
Accused was already involved in criminal cases
According to information, the accused, Aqeel Khan, was already involved in criminal cases. Police have seized the bike and launched an investigation. Following the complaint, statements from the players were recorded, and the case was registered under Section 78 (stalking) and Section 74 (insulting the modesty of a woman).
This incident highlights the lack of attention given to player safety even at a world-class tournament. Security sources stated that the route to the cafe was part of the team's regular activities, but it was not adequately patrolled. The organizers will need to seriously review this matter.
Prakash Kumar Pandey