NEW DELHI: The solemn atmosphere surrounding the Women's World Cup 2025 in Indore was shattered by a disturbing act of harassment, prompting former India captain Sunil Gavaskar to demand the harshest possible judicial response.
The incident involved two female players from the Australian squad, who were accosted by an individual on a motorcycle while taking a walk from their hotel to a nearby cafe on Thursday morning. Cricket Australia later confirmed the athletes were "touched inappropriately."
BCCI condemns inappropriate behaviour against Australian women cricketers in Indore
Gavaskar expressed Deep Shame and Disappointment
Reacting with visible fury, Gavaskar expressed his deep shame and disappointment that such an incident occurred in India, a nation that prides itself on the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (Guest is God).
In a conversation with India Today, the cricketing legend unequivocally condemned the "heinous incident," stating it brought shame upon the country. He called for an uncompromising penalty:
“It is, without question, a heinous incident. The law will take its course, but I do hope that the guilty person is punished severely - you lock them up and throw away the key. That's the only way, I think. Just lock him up and throw the keys away,” he asserted, demanding a prolonged sentence for the accused.
Prompt Arrest and BCCI's Stance
The two players immediately reported the matter to their security liaison officer, which triggered a remarkably swift response from the Madhya Pradesh Police.
Following the submission of statements, the accused—identified by the police as Akil Khan—was quickly apprehended in the Khajrana Road area for stalking and molesting one of the cricketers. The police confirmed a formal investigation is underway.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also issued a strong condemnation. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia called it a "very condemnable but stray incident" while affirming the board's zero-tolerance policy for such events. He commended the police for their "prompt action" and promised that the BCCI would review and reinforce existing security protocols to ensure the safety of all tournament participants.
