Two members of Australia’s Women’s World Cup squad were harassed on Thursday morning in Indore, where the side conclude their league programme. Team officials confirmed that a motorcyclist “touched [the players] inappropriately” while they walked to a nearby café, barely 12 hours after Australia’s win over England.
“CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore,” Cricket Australia said in a written statement. “The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”
Local police later announced an arrest, though formal charges are yet to be confirmed. No player has been named, and neither required medical treatment. Team management have increased security around the group but expect preparations for Saturday’s meeting with South Africa to proceed as planned.
On the field, Australia enter the final round on top of the table. Victory would cement first place and set up a semi-final against India in Navi Mumbai on 30 October, sending South Africa to Guwahati to meet England a day earlier. A defeat would shuffle the order: South Africa would leapfrog to first, Australia would slip to second and face England instead.
Captain Alyssa Healy, speaking before news of the arrest, said the squad remained “focused on cricket”, adding that “player welfare is always the priority”. Tournament organisers have reiterated their commitment to “safe and secure environments” at all venues.
Australia’s fixture with South Africa starts at 10.30 am local time at Holkar Stadium, where net-run-rate permutations could still come into play should rain intervene.
