Bbc Sport Cricket: Italy cricket in crisis over alleged sexual assault by senior figure
sport cricket coverage of events shows Italian cricket is in crisis days after the country's T20 World Cup debut, following revelations that a senior national governing body official has been investigated over a sexual assault allegation. The allegation, the suspension of a senior figure and boardroom fallout have combined to unsettle the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI).
Allegation and police timeline
The sexual assault allegation was made to police in Rome in March last year by a player who has represented the national team; the player's identity is protected for legal reasons. The player alleged the sexual assault occurred during a massage on a knee injury at a training session and said she had been scared to report the incident because she feared it would cost her a spot in the team. An investigation was concluded by a Rome prosecutor in November 2025 and Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, was interviewed by police the following month. A decision is now set to be made on whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the matter to trial.
Federation response and suspension
The Federazione Cricket Italiana confirmed that the governing body's president ordered the suspension of an unnamed individual in 2025 and launched an investigation into the allegations. Separately, Ekneligoda was suspended from his role with the FCRI in November but has remained a visible presence on the Italian cricket scene. As of Monday, Ekneligoda was still listed as the women's cricket coordinator on the FCRI website.
Sport Cricket key developments
Prabath Ekneligoda, who is originally from Sri Lanka, has been identified in internal material as the FCRI women's cricket co-ordinator. He is 57. Multiple members of the Italy board are said to have resigned over this case and other governance issues. Evidence seen in relation to the delegation shows Ekneligoda attended Italy's matches wearing official accreditation and was permitted to sit with the rest of the FCRI party, and he was also seen at various events laid on for Italy's cricket delegation, including a reception at the Italian consulate in Kolkata for officials, players and coaching staff.
World Cup debut and results
Italy have been members of the International Cricket Council since 1984. The Azzurri recently made their debut at the Men's T20 World Cup. In that tournament Italy earned a 10-wicket win over Nepal, gave England a real test before losing to Harry Brook's side by 24 runs, and were beaten by West Indies and Scotland as they exited in the first round.
Statements, denials and legal posture
FCRI issued a statement that "noted proceedings are currently under way before the federal prosecutor's office" and will "co-operate with the relevant authorities". The federation also said, "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, " and added, "The federation therefore defers to the competent judicial authorities for any determinations arising from the matter. "
Ekneligoda's lawyer said his client denies the allegation, that there are ulterior motives to the allegation, and that a witness supports his version of events.
Presence during World Cup events
Ekneligoda is the partner of FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz and accompanied her to India for the men's T20 World Cup. The FCRI, its president Haz Paz, and safeguarding officers had full knowledge of the seriousness of the claim made against Ekneligoda before the World Cup. Last weekend the allegation was reported in the Italian media for the first time. The ICC was contacted for comment.
The unfolding investigation, the suspension ordered in 2025, the interview after a Rome prosecutor concluded an investigation in November 2025, the protected identity of the complainant, the board resignations and the presence of the suspended coordinator during World Cup activity together frame the governance crisis facing Italian cricket.
