Italy women's cricket coordinator suspended over sexual harassment allegations
Italian Cricket Federation Emblem (Source: X/@ItalyCricket)
Published - 25 Feb 2026, 01:04 PM• Read time - 2 mins
Italy women's cricket coordinator Prabath Ekneligoda has been suspended by the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) over allegations of sexual harassment made against him by a player from the women's team.
The player in concern has claimed that Ekneligoda touched her inappropriately during a massage on her knee at a training session. The women's team member, whose identity has not been revealed for legal purposes, was initially reluctant to report the incident as she feared she could be ousted from the team.
Ultimately, however, the player reported the matter to the Rome police in March, 2025 and the investigation was completed in November. As a matter of fact, Ekneligoda was questioned by them in December and now the decision rests on the authorities if a trial is possible to be conducted based on the available evidence. Meanwhile, Ekneligoda's lawyer refutes the allegations made against his client, reported BBC Sport.
After the developments came to light, the Italian cricket federation issued a statement wherein they acknowledged and promised to ensure their cooperation in the matter. The head body for cricket in the country reasoned its decision to suspend Ekneligoda so as to allow the conduct of investigations impartially and ensure the safety of the athletes.
"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.
"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 read.
Interestingly, despite the suspension Ekneligoda was reportedly present at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the 57-year-old of Sri Lankan heritage is the partner of FCRI president Maria Lorena Haz Paz and, as per the publication mentioned above, he attended Italy's matches wearing official accreditation cards and sat with the other FCRI officials.
Meanwhile, the men's team earned loads of goodwill and fans during their passionate group-stage campaign in which they won a match against Nepal and gave the England team a scare, too.
