Indore, India – An Indian man has been arrested for stalking and inappropriately touching two Australian women cricketers participating in the ICC Women's World Cup. The incident occurred in Indore on Thursday morning when the players were walking from their hotel to a cafe.

According to police reports, the man followed the cricketers on a motorcycle and then approached them, inappropriately touching one of them. The players immediately contacted their team security officer, who then coordinated with local security officials. A police patrol was dispatched to escort the players back to the team hotel.

Police have identified the accused as Akil Khan, 30 years old, and have stated that he has a prior criminal record. He was apprehended based on information provided by a bystander who noted the motorcycle's license plate number. Khan has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the criminal code, which deal with assault or using criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty, and stalking, respectively.

The additional deputy commissioner of police, Rajesh Dandotiya, told the Indian news agency ANI that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an intensive strategic operation.

Cricket Australia confirmed the incident and stated that the matter was reported to the police by team security. They added that the players are receiving support and will continue participating in the tournament. The Times of India reported that the team's security manager received a distress message from one of the cricketers, saying, "...there is a guy following us trying to grab us".

BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Secretary Devajit Saikia called it a "deeply regrettable and isolated incident". He added, "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".

The incident occurred a day after Australia's six-wicket victory over England in the group stage of the Women's World Cup. Australia played South Africa in their pool match in Indore on Saturday.

Violence against women remains a significant issue in India, with a high number of cases reported daily. Authorities have stated that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all participants in the ICC Women's World Cup. Cricket Australia has also stated they will review their existing safety protocols and strengthen them further if necessary.