Italian cricket has been hit by allegations of sexual harassment against Prabath Ekneligoda, the women's cricket coordinator at the Federazione Cricket Italiana. The official has been suspended pending an investigation by the federal prosecutor's office. The claims emerged shortly after Italy's debut at the Men's T20 World Cup.
Italian cricket is grappling with serious allegations of sexual harassment following the nation's historic appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026. Prabath Ekneligoda, who serves as the women's cricket coordinator and founder of Roma Cricket Club, has been accused by an unnamed member of the Italian women's team of inappropriately touching her during an incident reported to police in March 2025. According to reports from BBC and Il Messaggero, the allegation involves an unsolicited massage where Ekneligoda allegedly groped the injured player.
An investigation began in November 2025, leading to Ekneligoda's interrogation in December. The Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) confirmed his immediate precautionary suspension from all federal duties in 2025, ordered by president Maria Lorena Haz Paz, who is also his partner. The FCRI stated: "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." Proceedings are ongoing before the federal prosecutor's office, with a decision on whether to proceed to trial still pending based on available evidence.
Ekneligoda's lawyer has denied the allegations, suggesting ulterior motives. Despite the suspension, reports indicate he attended the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka with official accreditation, though without duties, and was present at an Italy Women's training session in Sri Lanka. The controversy has led to resignations among FCRI board members, raising questions about Haz Paz's leadership. Italy's women's team, ranked 23rd in ICC T20I standings, recently missed qualification for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup.
At the Men's T20 World Cup, Italy defeated Nepal by 10 wickets but lost to England by 24 runs, West Indies, and Scotland, exiting in the first round.
