Rome: Italian cricket has been shaken by sexual harassment allegations made by a women’s team player against coordinator, Prabath Ekneligoda, barely days after the men’s side made a historic debut at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Ekneligoda has been suspended by the nation’s cricket board pending an inquiry, the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) has informed, as reported by News18.
“The Federation confirms that, during 2025, the President of the federation acting within her institutional responsibilities and with the full safeguarding of the athletes and other parties involved in mind, ordered the immediate precautionary suspension of the individual concerned from all federal duties and activities,” the board statement said, as per Cricinfo.
“This measure was adopted pending a thorough and definitive assessment of the circumstances. The decision was taken as a prudent and responsible step, aimed at preventing any undue speculation, preserving the integrity of the sporting environment, and ensuring that any fact-finding takes place in the appropriate forums, with full respect for personal dignity, due process and the presumption of innocence,” the statement added.
Ekneligoda’s lawyer has denied the allegations, claiming they have “ulterior motives.”
Meanwhile, FCRI media manager Rakbir Hasan confirmed to the website that Ekneligoda had travelled with the board president, Maria Lorena Haz Paz, to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka but did not have any official duties.
“It is further noted that proceedings are currently under way before the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, which is responsible for carrying out the assessments and investigations provided under sporting regulations,” the FCRI added.
