What Did BCCI Secretary Saikia Say About the Australian Cricketers' Molestation Case?
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the troubling incident involving Australian women cricketers in Indore. His remarks emphasize India's commitment to hospitality and the swift actions taken by local authorities. This situation raises significant concerns about athlete safety during international events.
Key Takeaways
- BCCI condemns the incident involving Australian cricketers.
- Swift police action led to the arrest of the accused.
- Increased security for the Australian team post-incident.
- Commitment to athlete safety during international events.
- Review of safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
Mumbai, Oct 25 (NationPress) The secretary of the BCCI, Devajit Saikia, released an official statement regarding the molestation incident involving Australian women cricketers before their Women's ODI World Cup match in Indore, labeling it as “a deeply regrettable and isolated incident”.
The incident, which involves two unnamed female Australian cricketers being harassed by a motorcyclist while walking to a nearby café from their hotel, has ignited outrage and condemnation across the nation. Both the BCCI and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, along with former players, have expressed their deep regret over this matter.
In his official statement, Saikia condemned the incident that occurred on Thursday in Indore.
“This is a deeply regrettable and isolated incident. India has always been recognized for its warmth, hospitality, and care towards all guests. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts. 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. We will also review our existing safety protocols and enhance them further, if necessary, to prevent such incidents in the future,” Saikia stated.
The Australian team is currently in Indore for a crucial group-stage match against South Africa, during which they achieved a seven-wicket victory at the Holkar Stadium, thanks to an impressive performance by Alana King, who took seven wickets for just 18 runs.
Following the incident, the team is reportedly receiving increased security. This alarming event has overshadowed what has otherwise been a competitive Women’s World Cup, raising renewed international concerns about the safety of women athletes in India.
Earlier, Saikia remarked to IANS that this unfortunate occurrence “should not have happened with any of the guests of the country”.
“This is a very unfortunate event that has taken place. Nobody expected this kind of thing to happen because India is such a hospitable country. This should not have happened with any of the guests of the country. So, we are extremely sorry for this incident, which is an unfortunate one,” Saikia mentioned.
“We are also pleased that the police have taken prompt action in apprehending the perpetrator swiftly. I trust that the law will take its course to penalize the individual who has been detained. We will also ensure that, although there is already a security ring around all the visiting teams during the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, we will enhance it to ensure that such incidents don’t occur in the future. We also hope everything will proceed smoothly for the remaining World Cup matches,” Saikia added in his conversation with IANS.
The police apprehended the individual involved in the incident on Khajrana Road on Thursday morning. The two cricketers had left their hotel and were on their way to a café when a man on a motorcycle began to follow them, inappropriately touching one of them before riding off.
The duo contacted their team security officer, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security liaison officers to arrange for assistance.
The investigation included reviewing CCTV footage, hotel records, and statements from security personnel, which led to the arrest of the accused, Aqeel Khan.
Point of View
It's imperative to address incidents like these with sensitivity and seriousness. The safety of athletes, especially women, must be prioritized during international events. The BCCI's proactive stance in addressing the situation and enhancing security measures reflects a commitment to safeguarding the dignity of all guests in the country.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Australian cricketers in Indore?
The Australian women cricketers were molested by a motorcyclist while walking to a café from their hotel, leading to widespread outrage.
What was the BCCI's response to the incident?
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia condemned the incident, calling it a 'deeply regrettable and isolated incident' and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts.
What actions were taken by the police?
The Madhya Pradesh Police swiftly apprehended the accused, Aqeel Khan, and are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
How is the Australian team responding to the incident?
Following the incident, the Australian team has been provided with increased security measures to ensure their safety during the Women's ODI World Cup.
What measures is the BCCI taking to prevent future incidents?
The BCCI is reviewing and strengthening existing safety protocols to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
