MUMBAI: Security around the Australian women’s cricket team has been tightened after an alleged molestation incident in Indore shocked the cricketing community last week. Days after the arrest of the accused, Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and her partner Monica were seen being escorted by police to a café in Mumbai on Monday.
Police escort for Gardner and partner
On Monday afternoon, Monica shared a photo on Instagram showing the couple seated in a car, with two police officers on a motorcycle visible in the background — a clear indication of the heightened security measures now in place.
The move comes in the wake of last week’s incident in Indore, where two Australian players were “touched inappropriately” by a motorcyclist while walking from their hotel to a café. The police acted swiftly, recording witness statements and arresting the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, soon after.
Security tightened in Navi Mumbai
Following the disturbing episode, Maharashtra Police have stepped up security around the Australian contingent in Navi Mumbai, where they are set to face India in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final on October 30 (Thursday).
According to a senior police officer quoted by India Today, “Since the very first day, that is, from October 18, when practice started here, we have deployed guards at all the hotels where the women players are staying. Apart from that, whenever the team travels from the stadium to the hotel or vice versa, we provide them with an escort.”
The officer added that around 600 police personnel, including 75 officers, have been deployed at the ground and team hotels. “If any player wants to go out, they must inform us, and we provide them with protection as well,” he said.
Players advised to coordinate with security
In light of the Indore incident, Australian players have now been instructed to inform security officials before leaving their hotels. Authorities said that while protocols were already in place, the recent event has led to a stricter implementation.
“After learning about the incident, we reinforced the precautions we were already taking. But sometimes, players go out without informing the police, and that creates a problem. If they inform us beforehand, we ensure their protection,” the senior officer explained.
The Indore incident
The incident in Indore’s Khajrana Road area occurred last Thursday, when two Australian players were en route to a café from the Radisson Blu Hotel. One of the players was reportedly stalked, while the other was touched inappropriately by a passing motorcyclist.
The players immediately alerted their security liaison officer, who contacted the local police. Following a swift investigation, Aqeel Khan was arrested in connection with the assault.
The case triggered widespread outrage across the cricket fraternity, with several former players, including Sunil Gavaskar, condemning the incident and demanding stricter safety protocols for visiting athletes.
Assurance of safety
Local authorities have since assured the Australian team and Cricket Australia of comprehensive protection during their stay in Maharashtra. “We are ensuring that all international players feel completely safe. Any outing or movement outside the hotel will now be accompanied by police personnel,” officials confirmed.
As the team prepares for its crucial semi-final clash against India, the focus has shifted from cricket to security — a reminder of the challenges visiting athletes sometimes face off the field.