Italian cricket was still basking in the glow of its first men’s T20 World Cup appearance when a very different story broke. A player from the women’s squad has accused Prabath Ekneligoda, the board’s women’s-cricket co-ordinator, of sexual harassment.
The Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) confirmed that Ekneligoda was “immediately precautionary suspended” last year while the federal prosecutor examines the complaint. The board stressed that the move was about safeguarding, not judgement.
“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,” its statement began.
A second paragraph, equally formal, underlined the stance: “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.”
Ekneligoda’s lawyer has told BBC Sport the allegations are baseless and motivated by other agendas. Ekneligoda himself has yet to speak publicly.
Despite the suspension, he was seen in India and Sri Lanka during the World Cup. FCRI media manager Rakbir Hasan clarified the situation: “He travelled as a companion of the President [Maria Lorena Haz Paz] and does not have any official duties or connection to the World Cup delegation.” In short, no accreditation, just company.
Board-room turbulence is adding to the sense of upheaval. Haz Paz was removed from office once Italy’s tournament was over, and six directors have since quit. That wiped out the Federal Council, forcing interim governance. Hasan insists the resignations are about “broader administrative disagreements” rather than the harassment inquiry, but timing will naturally raise eyebrows.
Behind the headlines, Italian cricket enjoyed genuine on-field progress. Gareth Berg’s men stunned Nepal by ten wickets and pushed England hard before falling 24 runs short. Those results marked Italy’s best showing on the global stage, a lift for a programme still run mostly by volunteers.
Whether that momentum now stalls depends on how quickly and transparently the federation resolves the investigation. Experienced administrators suggest the federal prosecutor’s findings could arrive within months, though appeals might follow. Until then, players and coaches are left juggling pride in recent performances with concern over the governance cloud hanging above them.
For a sport fighting for recognition in Italy, the next few weeks may prove as pivotal as any Super Over.
