Australian Women Cricketers Molested in Indore: Political Backlash and Security Concerns at Women's Cricket World Cup

The cricketers were allegedly molested while walking from their hotel to a nearby cafe.

Two cricketers from the Australian women's national team were inappropriately touched by a man on a motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Thursday morning. The women were in the city to participate in the Women's Cricket World Cup. This incident has sparked political controversy with opposition parties criticizing the ruling BJP government regarding women's safety in the state, claiming the event has "dragged India's name through the mud".

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari expressed concern saying, "Indore is known for its hospitality, but this raises serious questions about law and order. The fear of the police has vanished in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister, must answer who was responsible and what went wrong."

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi urged that the Madhya Pradesh government "must ensure swift justice and stronger deterrence". He emphasized, "Silence is complicity. We must do better."

The Rajya Sabha MP posted on X, "Deeply disturbing to learn of the stalking and molestation of Australian women cricketers in Indore. Every such incident is a grim reminder that women's safety must be non-negotiable, for Indians and guests alike. Madhya Pradesh must ensure swift justice and stronger deterrence. Silence is complicity. We must do better."

The Trinamool Congress delivered an even stronger message to the governing party. "Two Australian women cricketers were molested in an ICC-organised world cricket championship in BJP-ruled Indore. Mind, this happens during the double-engine government rule. It has lowered our heads before the entire world," stated TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh, calling for a "fair probe".

TMC spokesperson Sudip Raha commented, "Absolutely horrifying. Australian women cricketers molested in Indore! This is the reality of 'Beti Bachao' under BJP rule." He added, "Before raising fingers upon Bengal, BJP's zamindars must introspect, for it's under their rule that India's daughters and guests are unsafe. They have dragged our nation's name through the mud before the entire world."

The BJP has been criticizing the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal for "failing" to ensure women's safety, referencing the rape-murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital in August 2024 and the rape of another woman medical student in Durgapur earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh minister Krishna Gaur criticized the Congress for "politicising the issue" and commended the "swift action by the police in arresting the accused".

"This is a shameful and condemnable incident. Such incidents result in strict action by the Madhya Pradesh government under its Zero Tolerance policy, as directed by the state CM, as done in this case... I praise the Madhya Pradesh Police's swift action in arresting the accused," Gaur stated.

Targeting the Congress, she said they are "politicising the issue instead of collectively working towards ensuring the strictest punishment for the perpetrator".

Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has promised severe punishment. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma shared this sentiment saying, "This incident has shamed Indore. Whether the daughter is from Australia or England, her safety is our responsibility. Strict action will be taken, and NSA proceedings will be initiated against the accused. The molestation of an Australian woman cricketer is unfortunate and shameful. The government acted swiftly and caught the culprit. The accused conspired to defame Indore, a city known worldwide for its cleanliness and culture."

BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma released a video warning the accused, "Will be dealt with in such a way that even his ancestors will tremble, and future generations will be too terrified to step out".

The cricketers were allegedly molested while walking from their hotel to a nearby cafe. The accused, identified as Aqeel, reportedly followed the players on a bike before inappropriately touching one of them and fleeing the scene. He was arrested on Friday evening.

According to sources, the incident occurred around 11 am. The frightened players immediately sent an emergency message and live location to their team's security officer, Danny Simmons. "I was reading their message when one of the players called me, crying. She told me what had happened. We immediately dispatched a car and brought them safely to the hotel," Simmons explained.

A bystander noted the suspect's bike number, which later helped police track him down through CCTV footage.

Australia played twice this week at Holkar Stadium in Indore — against England on Wednesday and South Africa on Saturday.

This disturbing incident prompted a major overhaul of player security ahead of the semifinal-deciding clash between Australia and South Africa today.

Mahaanaryaman Scindia - President of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) - which governs the Holkar stadium - stated, "We are deeply saddened, shocked, and appalled by this unfortunate incident. No woman should have to endure such behaviour. It is extremely painful for the players, for the sports community, and for the people of Indore. One person's act has tarnished the city's image of warmth and respect."