Indian cricketer arrested for rape in Zimbabwe

An Indian cricketer has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman during the team's current tour of Zimbabwe.

The player, whose identity is yet to be revealed, reportedly appeared in court yesterday facing rape charges. The rape is alleged to have taken place on Friday evening on the eve of India's opening Twenty20 International against the hosts at Harare Sports Club.

India, who selected a young squad for this tour, whitewashed the hosts 3-0 in the One Day International (ODI) series before losing the first of the scheduled three T20s by two runs yesterday.

Impeccable sources told The Standard that the victim was invited by a group of cricketers from the touring Asian nation's national team for drinks before she was abused.

"The Zimbabwean woman was invited by the Indians for drinks after they met her in the corridors at a local hotel where the team is booked. She only woke up hours later in the accused's room with bloodied pants. There are indications she might have been drugged," sources said.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the incident.

"There are allegations of rape against an Indian national by a Zimbabwean woman. As police, we are bound by the law when such serious matters arise and we investigate. We have investigated and forwarded the case to the courts for determination and we await the outcome," Charamba said.