Italian Cricket Federation Plunged into Crisis Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
Rome, Italy – Just days after making its historic debut in the T20 World Cup, Italian cricket is grappling with a severe crisis stemming from allegations of sexual assault against a senior official. Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) women’s cricket co-ordinator, Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, is currently under criminal investigation following claims of inappropriate touching made by a member of the national women’s team. The allegations have triggered resignations within the FCRI board and raised serious questions about governance within the organization, threatening to derail the momentum gained from the team’s recent international exposure. This unfolding situation casts a shadow over the sport’s burgeoning popularity in Italy and raises concerns about safeguarding measures for athletes.
The allegations, first reported in Italian media outlets Il Messaggero and Corriere della Sera last weekend, center around an incident that allegedly occurred during a training session in March 2024. The player, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, reported to police in Rome that the assault took place during a massage intended to treat a knee injury. She reportedly feared reporting the incident earlier, believing it could jeopardize her position on the team. The timing of these revelations, so close to Italy’s participation in the T20 World Cup, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Investigation and Initial Response
An investigation led by a Rome prosecutor concluded in November 2025, and Ekneligoda was interviewed by police the following month, according to reports. As of February 23, 2026, a decision regarding a potential trial is pending. Ekneligoda, who is originally from Sri Lanka, has denied the allegations through his legal counsel, who has suggested ulterior motives and claims the existence of a supporting witness. The FCRI, in a statement to BBC Sport, acknowledged the ongoing proceedings before the federal prosecutor’s office and pledged full cooperation with the relevant authorities. The federation stated it is guided by “principles of fairness, transparency and the protection of its registered members,” and will defer to the judicial authorities for any determinations.
Despite the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, Ekneligoda was suspended from his role with the FCRI in November 2025, he continued to be a visible presence within Italian cricket circles. Notably, he accompanied FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz to India for the men’s T20 World Cup, attending matches with official accreditation and participating in events organized for the Italian delegation, including a reception at the Italian consulate in Kolkata. This continued presence, while under investigation, has fueled criticism and raised questions about the FCRI’s handling of the situation.
Governance Concerns and Board Resignations
The allegations against Ekneligoda are not occurring in a vacuum. Multiple members of the Italy board are reported to have resigned, citing both the sexual assault case and broader governance issues within the FCRI. This internal turmoil has placed increasing pressure on President Haz Paz, whose position is now under scrutiny. The resignations suggest a deeper systemic problem within the organization, potentially impacting its ability to effectively manage the sport’s development in Italy. The FCRI was established in 1984 and became a member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the same year, marking a significant step in the sport’s growth within the country.
The situation is particularly sensitive given Italy’s recent strides in cricket. The Azzurri’s debut at the T20 World Cup captured the imagination of fans and media alike, with the team achieving notable victories against Nepal in Mumbai and a competitive showing against England in Kolkata. These successes were seen as a turning point for the sport in Italy, offering a platform for growth and increased investment. Yet, the current crisis threatens to undermine these gains, potentially damaging the reputation of Italian cricket and hindering future development efforts. Senior officials within the sport fear that potential legal cases and reputational damage will impede their ability to capitalize on the momentum generated by the World Cup appearance.
Impact on the Sport and Future Outlook
The allegations and subsequent investigation have brought the issue of athlete safety and safeguarding to the forefront in Italian cricket. The FCRI’s response to the crisis will be crucial in determining the future of the sport in the country. A thorough and transparent investigation, coupled with robust safeguarding policies and procedures, will be essential to rebuild trust and ensure the well-being of athletes. The incident too highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where athletes feel empowered to report incidents of abuse or misconduct without fear of retribution.
Maria Lorena Haz Paz was appointed president of the Italian Cricket Federation in February 2025, with a term extending until 2028. Her leadership will be critical in navigating the current crisis and implementing necessary reforms. The FCRI’s ability to address the governance issues and restore confidence in the organization will be paramount to securing the long-term future of cricket in Italy. The sport’s growth potential, demonstrated by the Azzurri’s performance at the T20 World Cup, remains significant, but it hinges on addressing the current challenges with transparency and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- A senior official at the Italian Cricket Federation (FCRI) is under criminal investigation following allegations of sexual assault.
- The allegations involve inappropriate touching of a member of the women’s national team during a training session in March 2024.
- Multiple board members have resigned from the FCRI, citing both the assault allegations and broader governance concerns.
- The crisis threatens to derail the momentum gained from Italy’s recent debut in the T20 World Cup.
- The FCRI has pledged cooperation with authorities but faces scrutiny over its handling of the situation and the continued presence of the accused official at cricket events.
The next significant development in this case is expected to be a decision from the Rome prosecutor regarding whether to proceed with a trial. This decision is anticipated in the coming weeks, and will likely shape the future of the investigation and the fate of those involved. The World Today Journal will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives in the comments section below.
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