An Australian women's cricket World Cup player sent a live location alert to her team's security manager with a chilling message: "Hey Sos, there's a guy following us trying to grab us." This distress call, sent from a street in Indore, India has ignited serious concerns about athlete safety and cast a shadow over India's hosting of a major international tournament.
The incident occurred on the morning of October 23 in the central Indian city of Indore. Two members of the Australian women's team were walking to a café from their team hotel when a man on a motorcycle began to follow them. The players reported that the man, in addition to stalking them and passing lewd remarks, moved his motorcycle closer and touched them inappropriately before speeding off.
Following the SOS alert from the players, the team's security manager immediately filed a complaint with the Indore police. Authorities launched what they termed an "intensive strategic operation," using CCTV footage to identify and track down the suspect. A 30 year old man, who police say has an old criminal record, was arrested. He has been charged with criminal offenses related to outraging a woman's modesty and stalking.
The assault has prompted a critical examination of security protocols for visiting athletes. While the Australian team's security manager reported the breach, an International Cricket Council spokesperson indicated that the Australian side had itself "breached protocols" by allowing the players to leave the hotel unescorted. This revelation points to potential failures in the application of safety measures.
In the wake of the incident, Indian cricket authorities have condemned the event and promised action. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) called it a "deeply regrettable and isolated incident" and stated it has "zero tolerance for such acts". The BCCI secretary said the board would "revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security". Similarly, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) issued an apology to the Australian team, expressing being "deeply pained and shocked".
Despite the swift official response, the event has resonated as more than an isolated episode. The local MPCA acknowledged that the "disorderly action of one individual has caused such harm and cast a shadow over the city's image," a city that prides itself on a "proud reputation as a safe venue". The incident triggered reactions from Indian opposition politicians, with one calling it "a matter of shame for all of us".
For many observers, this incident connects to persistent concerns about women's safety in the country. It has sparked a difficult conversation about the gap between India's global aspirations as a hospitable nation and the safety realities on the ground, particularly for women. The fact that international athletes, who were in the country for a flagship global event, could be targeted in a daytime attack has been seen by critics as a stark indicator of these ongoing challenges.