A man has been arrested after allegedly “inappropriately touching” two Australian cricket players competing at the Women’s World Cup in India.
The alleged incident occurred on Thursday in the city of Indore, with Cricket Australia — the sport’s governing body in Australia — saying that it happened while the players were walking to a cafe.
“The security officers of the women’s Australian cricket team filed a complaint that two members of the team faced inappropriate behaviour,” Rajesh Dandotiya, a deputy police commissioner in Indore, told Indian news agency ANI.
“An FIR (First Information Report) was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an intensive strategic operation.”
The man has been charged under sections 74 and 78 of the criminal code, which relate to an assault or using criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty and stalking, respectively.
“We are examining if there were any shortfalls in the security protocols,” said Dandotiya.
Australia, the tournament favourites, completed a six-wicket victory over England on Wednesday before defeating South Africa by seven wickets on Saturday — their final league game of the competition — in Indore.
Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council has been approached for comment.
“We can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s Team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore,” Cricket Australia said in a statement, as cited by ABC Australia.
“The matter was reported by team security to police who are handling the matter.”
On Saturday, Australia wrist spinner Alana King took a World Cup record 7-18 as Australia completed a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over South Africa.
No bowler had ever taken more than six wickets in one game at the tournament, with King bettering Jacqueline Lord’s six for 10 for New Zealand against India in 1982.
South Africa were all out for 97 runs in 24 overs, with Australia successfully chasing it down by posting 98-3 in 16.5 overs.