Key points
- Allegation relates to women’s team player
- Prosecutor reviewing evidence for trial
- Federation pledges co-operation with authorities
ISLAMABAD: Italian cricket has been plunged into turmoil just days after the men’s team made its T20 World Cup debut, following revelations that a senior official from the national governing body has been investigated over an alleged sexual assault.
Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, who serves as the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) women’s cricket co-ordinator, was the subject of a criminal inquiry after a member of Italy’s women’s national side accused him of inappropriate touching. The complaint was lodged with police in Rome in March 2025.
According to the allegation, the incident occurred during a training session, when Ekneligoda was said to have inappropriately touched the player while administering treatment for a knee injury. The player, whose identity remains legally protected, reportedly delayed reporting the matter out of concern it could jeopardise her place in the team.
A Rome prosecutor concluded the investigation in November 2025, and Ekneligoda was subsequently questioned by police. Authorities are now considering whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. His lawyer has stated that Ekneligoda denies the accusation, claims there are ulterior motives behind it, and says a witness corroborates his account.
Federal prosecutor
The FCRI confirmed to the media that proceedings are ongoing before the federal prosecutor and said it would co-operate fully with the relevant authorities. In a statement, the federation said it is guided by principles of fairness, transparency and safeguarding, and would defer to the judicial process for any determinations.
Ekneligoda, who is originally from Sri Lanka, was suspended from his official duties in November but has continued to appear at cricket events. He is the partner of FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz and travelled to India for the men’s T20 World Cup, where he was seen at matches and official functions with accreditation.
Reports in Italian media have brought the case into the public domain, and sources indicate that several board members have resigned amid wider governance concerns. With Haz Paz’s presidency now under scrutiny, senior figures fear the controversy could damage the sport’s reputation in Italy at a time when it had been seeking to build momentum following its historic World Cup appearance.
