Italian cricket has been rocked by controversy just days after the country’s T20 World Cup debut, with a senior official facing a sexual assault allegation, as reported by BBC Sport.
Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, the women’s cricket coordinator of the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI), is under criminal investigation following a complaint made by a member of Italy’s women’s national team. The allegation was filed with police in Rome in March last year.
The player, whose name has not been revealed for legal reasons, claimed the incident took place during a training session while she was receiving treatment for a knee injury. She reportedly told authorities she was initially afraid to report the matter because she feared it could affect her place in the team.
A Rome prosecutor concluded the investigation in November 2025, and Ekneligoda was questioned by police the following month. A decision is now pending on whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. His lawyer has denied the allegation, suggesting there are ulterior motives behind the complaint and stating that a witness backs his client’s account.
The FCRI said it is aware that proceedings are ongoing and will cooperate fully with the authorities. In its statement to BBC Sport, the federation stressed that it is guided by principles of fairness, transparency and the protection of its members, and will defer to the judicial system for further action.
Although Ekneligoda was suspended from his position in November, he has continued to be seen at official events. He is the partner of FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz and travelled with her to India for the T20 World Cup. According to BBC Sport, he attended Italy’s matches with official accreditation and was present at several events involving the Italian delegation, including a reception at the Italian consulate in Kolkata.
Reports also suggest that senior figures within Italian cricket were aware of the seriousness of the allegation before the World Cup began. The matter was first reported in the Italian media last weekend.
As of Monday, Ekneligoda was still listed as women’s cricket coordinator on the federation’s website. Sources told BBC Sport that some board members have resigned over the issue and other governance concerns, putting increased pressure on Haz Paz’s leadership.
Officials within Italian cricket are said to be worried about potential reputational damage at a time when the sport was gaining attention in the country. Italy’s T20 World Cup debut had sparked excitement, with the team beating Nepal in Mumbai and putting up a strong fight against England in Kolkata, although they did not progress to the Super Eight stage.
