In February 2025, a man accused of stalking tennis player Emma Radacunu attended one of her matches, causing her significant distress. Officials ejected him from the match and authorities issued a restraining order against him. Tennis officials circulated his details among event organizers enabling Wimbledon to block his attempt to buy tickets to that tournament later the same year. In a different incident, another man was sentenced to a five-year-restraining order after being found guilty of stalking Emma Raducanu in 2022. The convicted man had frequently appeared at her house.
As the popularity of women’s cricket increases the potential of similar stalking incidents is likely to increase, posing additional concerns for event organisers, players, and staff. Critically, the psychological toll on victims is a serious concern, as the incidents frequently result in long-lasting fears and behavioural changes. Information sharing between sports venues, organizers, and governing bodies is a critical tool in combatting these types of incidents.
At the next International Cricket Security Manager’s Forum in December 2025, Detective Inspector Karen Butler and Dr Alan Underwood of the London Metropolitan Police Services’ Stalking Treat Assessment Centre will be giving a briefing on this subject to build awareness and discuss potential effective strategies and tactical options which Boards may take to safeguard players and officials.
