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The 30-year-old man identified as Akil Khan was pictured hobbling on one foot in police custody on Sunday. Indian police say Khan was arrested within six hours from when Cricket Australia first made an official complaint. Two members of the top-ranked Australian side were allegedly stalked and touched by a man on a motorcycle while they were walking in Indore, India, on Thursday, Cricket Australia confirmed in a statement on Saturday. Watch The Ashes 2025/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. The incident has rocked the host nation, with public figures on Sunday describing it as “stain” on the country. Vision released by Indian police showed Khan was unable to walk with his right leg and left arm wrapped in a cast. The Times of India first reported Khan is alleged to have told police he only wanted to take a selfie photo with the players, who were walking to a local cafe, according to Cricket Australia. According to the publication, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya has told reporters Khan has since told police he made a U-turn and approached the players a second time before molesting them and driving off on a motorcycle. The situation took another twist on Sunday with ABC reporting new details of the official complaint made by Cricket Australia. The ABC has quoted an ICC spokesperson claiming that the Australian team had breached protocols by allowing the players to walk the streets unescorted. According to Code Sports, Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive Paul Marsh said players had not been told of any rule. The ABC reports Cricket Australia’s security chief was aware of the players’ movements and had no concerns about their safety before the incident unfolded. The national broadcaster says the official complaint included details of a text message one of the players sent to a member of the team’s security operation. “Hey SOS, just sending you my live location,” the player reportedly texted. “There’s a guy following us trying to grab us.” A first report about the incident has been registered under section 74 and section 78 of India’s criminal code, known as Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Section 74 covers “assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty”. Section 78 covers criminal acts of stalking. Local cricket association Madhya Pradesh issued a statement, saying officials are “deeply pained and shocked by the disturbing incident of misconduct and inappropriate behaviour”. “As the host, MPCA extends sincere apologies to the Australian women’s team for this deeply distressing and unfortunate incident.” India’s state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said: “This is not just misbehaviour with a woman player, but a stain on India’s image.” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described the incident as “very condemnable”. The Australian team is the defending champion of the One-Day World Cup and is the only undefeated side at this year’s event. News of the allegation broke right as the Australian team was taking to the field for its final group stage match against South Africa in Indore. Australia were dominant in rolling South Africa for just 97 runs before chasing the total in 16.5 overs. Alana King made history as she recorded the outrageous bowling figures of 7/18. The leg-spinner’s 7-18 were the best bowling figures in Women’s World Cup history. It was the best bowling performance by an Australian in a women’s ODI. Australia next faces India in a blockbuster semi-final on Thursday night in Mumbai.
