Italian cricket’s recent rise on the international stage has been overshadowed by serious off-field allegations, after a complaint of sexual harassment was made against a senior official within the national setup.
The allegation was raised by a member of Italy’s women’s national team and concerns Prabath Ekneligoda, the women’s cricket co-ordinator of the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI). The alleged incidents are reported to have taken place during 2025. The FCRI confirmed that action had already been taken at the time the complaint was brought forward. In a detailed statement, the board outlined the steps ordered by its president in response to the situation.
“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.
The federation emphasised that the decision was taken as an interim safeguard while a full review of the matter is carried out.
“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.”
In a further clarification, the FCRI underlined its intent to fully support the investigative process. In its statement, the board confirmed “its full willingness to cooperate with the relevant authorities,” and added that it “reserves the right to take any further action in light of ongoing inquiries.”
The matter has now been referred to the Federal Prosecutor, who is overseeing the investigation. Federation officials have indicated that proceedings will follow established legal and disciplinary frameworks, with all parties given the opportunity to present their case. Ekneligoda has denied the allegations. Through legal representatives, he has rejected the claims made against him and is understood to be cooperating with the inquiry.
The case has emerged at a sensitive time for Italian cricket. The men’s national team recently made its debut at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the sport in the country. The tournament appearance was widely viewed as a significant step forward for cricket’s development in Italy, highlighting progress within an emerging cricket nation.
However, the allegations and subsequent administrative measures have shifted attention toward governance and safeguarding standards within the federation. In the days following the World Cup campaign, further instability unfolded at board level, with federation president Maria Lorena Haz Paz removed from her role and several board members stepping down. While officials have not directly linked those changes to the harassment complaint, the developments have added to uncertainty around the organisation’s leadership.
For the FCRI, the priority remains ensuring that the investigation proceeds in a transparent and orderly manner. The federation’s statement makes clear that safeguarding athletes and protecting the integrity of the sport are central to its response.
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