Security has been significantly intensified in Navi Mumbai for the remaining matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 after the shocking molestation incident involving two Australian cricketers in Indore last week. With one of the semi-finals and the final scheduled to be held at the DY Patil Stadium, Maharashtra Police have moved swiftly to ensure that the distressing event is not repeated.
A senior police officer in Navi Mumbai revealed the detailed security arrangements being enforced to safeguard all participating teams, especially during their stay and travel to the venue, “Since the very first day that is, from October 18th, 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.”
He added that a massive on-ground security presence has been established to maintain constant vigilance, “Here at the ground, we have deployed around 600 personnel, out of which 75 are officers and the rest are police constables. In addition, if any player wants to go out, they must inform us, and we provide them with protection as well.”
Highlighting the continuous nature of the arrangements, the officer noted that personnel will be on duty 24×7, ensuring immediate response to any movement or alert, “After learning about the incident, actually, we were already taking precautions from the beginning, but sometimes what happens is that players go out without informing the police, and that creates a problem. If they inform us beforehand, we ensure their protection.”
The security tightening follows a disturbing episode in Indore, where two Australian women cricketers were stalked and molested by a motorcycle-borne man on October 23. The players, part of the Australian touring squad, were staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel and were walking to a nearby café on Khajrana Road when the incident took place.
According to police reports, the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, allegedly followed the players and touched one of them inappropriately before speeding away. The cricketers acted swiftly, sending an SOS alert to their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who immediately coordinated with local officials and dispatched a vehicle to bring them back to safety.
Following Simmons’ complaint at the MIG Police Station, an FIR was registered under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A major breakthrough came when a bystander noted the motorcycle’s number plate, allowing police to trace and arrest the accused within 6 hours. Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra, who personally met the players and recorded their statements, confirmed that Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him. The investigation is ongoing.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “deeply regrettable.” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reiterated the board’s zero-tolerance policy toward acts of harassment and misconduct, “This is a deeply regrettable and isolated incident. India has always been known for its warmth, hospitality, and care towards all guests. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts.”
Saikia also commended the swift and effective action by the Madhya Pradesh Police, emphasizing that the law must take its full course, “We appreciate the swift and effective action taken by the Madhya Pradesh Police in apprehending the accused. The law will take its due course to ensure justice is served.”
He assured that the BCCI would be reviewing all its current safety arrangements for visiting teams, “We will also review our existing safety protocols and strengthen them further, if necessary, to ensure such incidents are not repeated.”
The Indore incident has cast a temporary shadow over what has otherwise been a vibrant and competitive tournament. Yet, the rapid and coordinated response by law enforcement in both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra has sent a clear message — the safety of players is non-negotiable.
With Navi Mumbai set to host one of the Women’s World Cup semi-finals and the final, the police’s proactive measures aim to restore confidence among players, officials, and fans alike. The emphasis now is on ensuring that the focus returns to cricket — where the best teams in the world will battle for a place in the final — in a safe and secure environment that upholds the dignity and spirit of the sport.
(Inputs sourced from India Today)
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