Authorities in Mumbai have stepped up security for the Australian women’s cricket team ahead of their semi-final against India. The decision came after two Australian players were allegedly harassed by a motorcyclist in Indore earlier this week. The team will now have a police escort during all their movements in the city.
The case of Indore attracted outrage among people when one man allegedly came to two players and touched them inappropriately when they were going to a local cafe. The Madhya Pradesh Police responded fast and the accused was arrested hours after the complaint was received.
After the incident, the Mumbai Police, and the Maharashtra Cricket Association have increased security measures of the Australian team. Players will now travel with police officers in their locations between their hotel, practice grounds, and match venues so that their safety is guaranteed.
Monica Wright, the wife of Ashleigh Gardner, also experienced something light-hearted when she posted a photo on Instagram of their ride to a cafe in Mumbai. The image was of two policemen on top of a bike trailing their car with both smiling and displaying peace signs. Wright has captioned the post with, police escort to the cafe.
Cricket Australia in close contact with BCCI and local authorities after Indore incident
Cricket Australia (CA) has been in constant communication with the BCCI and the Police of Mumbai to ensure that the priority of safety of players is of the top. The CA security team is in close collaboration with the local officers to track all the movements of the Australian players. Although CA did not disclose any details, it valued the speedy action and full cooperation of Indian authorities.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reiterated the boards zero tolerance approach to any form of misconduct by foreign players in the board. The BCCI has also advised all the teams in the tournament not to violate security regulations and not to move without escorts. Even after the incidence, the Australian players have gone back to training and are preparing to play their next world cup match in Mumbai.
