Australian Women's Cricketers Get Police Escorts in Navi Mumbai After Harassment Incident in Indore

Australian women cricketers have been given police escorts in Navi Mumbai following an incident in Indore last week, where two of their players were harassed—one of them molested—by a motorcycle-borne man.

All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and her partner Monica shared a photo of their security convoy on Instagram while heading to a café from their hotel, highlighting the heightened precautions now in place.

The incident occurred last Thursday on Khajrana Road in Indore, where the Australian team was playing its Women’s World Cup group-stage matches. The players were walking to a café from the Radisson Blu Hotel when a man, identified as Aqeel Khan, allegedly followed and harassed them. He was swiftly arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Police.

In response, authorities have strengthened security around the team’s accommodation and movements in Navi Mumbai, where the Australians are based for the semi-finals.

“Since October 18, when practice sessions began here, we’ve had guards deployed at every hotel where women players are staying,” said a senior Maharashtra Police officer. “Whenever teams travel between the stadium and hotel, they are accompanied by an escort. Around 600 personnel, including 75 officers, are on duty for this event.”

Players have also been instructed to inform police before leaving their hotels so security escorts can accompany them. “The main issue arises when players go out without notifying us. If they inform us in advance, we ensure complete protection,” the officer added.

The Australian team is scheduled to face India in the second semi-final of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on October 30.