Italian Cricket in Crisis Following Sexual Assault Allegation
Italy has been a member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 1984. However, Italian cricket is currently facing a crisis shortly after the country's debut in the T20 World Cup, as it has emerged that a senior national official is under investigation for a sexual assault allegation.
Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, the women's cricket co-ordinator for the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI), is the subject of a criminal investigation concerning a claim that he inappropriately touched a member of the Azzurri women's national team.
According to information received by , multiple members of the Italy cricket board have resigned due to this case and other governance issues.
The sexual assault allegation was reported to the police in Rome in March of the previous year by a player who has represented the national team. The identity of the player is protected for legal reasons.
The player alleged that the assault occurred during a massage on a knee injury at a training session. She reportedly feared reporting the incident at the time because she was concerned it would jeopardize her place on the team.
An investigation was completed by a Rome prosecutor in November 2025, and Ekneligoda was interviewed by police in December 2025.
A decision is now pending on whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Ekneligoda's lawyer has stated that his client denies the allegations, claims there are ulterior motives behind them, and that a witness supports his version of events.
The FCRI issued a statement to , saying it "noted proceedings are currently under way before the federal prosecutor's office" and will "co-operate with the relevant authorities."
"The Italian Cricket Federation reiterates that its conduct is guided by principles of fairness, transparency and the protection of its registered members, as well as by the ethical and civic standards that underpin the sporting system,"
"The federation therefore defers to the competent judicial authorities for any determinations arising from the matter."
Ekneligoda, originally from Sri Lanka, was suspended from his role with the FCRI in November but has remained a visible presence within Italian cricket.
He is the partner of FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz and accompanied her to India for the men's T20 World Cup.
has obtained evidence showing that Ekneligoda attended Italy's matches wearing official accreditation and was allowed to sit with the rest of the FCRI delegation.
He was also seen at various events organized for Italy's cricket delegation, including a reception at the Italian consulate in Kolkata for officials, players, and coaching staff.
The FCRI, its president Haz Paz, and safeguarding officers were fully aware of the seriousness of the allegations against Ekneligoda prior to the World Cup.
Last weekend, the Italian media outlets Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera reported the allegations publicly for the first time.
As of Monday, Ekneligoda was still listed as the women's cricket coordinator on the FCRI website.
Sources have informed that some members of the FCRI board have resigned over this matter and other governance concerns, increasing scrutiny on Haz Paz's leadership.
Senior officials within Italian cricket are concerned that potential reputational damage and possible legal proceedings could hinder efforts to capitalize on their debut T20 World Cup appearance and impede the growth of cricket in Italy.
Maria Lorena Haz Paz was appointed president of the Italian Cricket Federation in February 2025, with a term extending until 2028.
Italy's debut at the T20 World Cup and the stories of some of their players had captured the attention of the cricket world.
The Azzurri did not advance to the Super 8 stage but secured a victory over Nepal in Mumbai and challenged England in Kolkata during their Group C matches.
- IPL-linked teams 'not considering Pakistan players'
- Get cricket news sent straight to your phone
- 'It smacks of England' - Australia fail again at T20 World Cup
