Italy Cricket Member Accused Of Sexual Assault After T20 World Cup Exit

Italy official accused of sexual misconduct [Source: @ItalyCricket/x]Italy Cricket has been rocked by a sexual assault allegation against one of its key members. While the alleged assault first came to light back in March 2025 last year, the case gained traction soon after the Italy cricket team made its historic T20 World Cup debut in the ongoing 2026 edition in India and Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the accused, Prabath Ekneligoda, is still listed as the women's cricket coordinator on the official Italy Cricket website. Sri Lanka-origin Italy official accused of sexual misconduct Prabath Ekneligoda, a Sri Lanka-origin official and the women's cricket co-ordinator of the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) has been accused of sexual assault by an Italy women’s cricketer. The identity of the player has been protected for legal purposes. Also Read- Tap Water Concerns Trigger Italy Cricketers To Disrespect India, ICC To Take Action?According to the victim, the sexual assault took place in a training session during a massage for her knee injury. Initially hesitant to report the matter, the player eventually filed a complaint to Rome Police in March 2025. A prosecutor in Rome investigated the matter, and the authorities even interviewed Prabath Ekneligoda in December 2025, i.e., just a couple of months ago. Ekneligoda’s lawyer, however, has stated that his client is denying the allegations and is citing ulterior motives on part of the alleged victim. The lawyer also added that there is a key witness who supports Prabath’s version of events. Ekneligoda attended India for T20 World Cup, officials aware of allegations As confirmed by BBC Sport, Prabath Ekneligoda attended India this month to watch Italy’s cricket matches in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Even though Ekneligoda has been suspended from his role, he is still listed as the women’s cricket coordinator on the FCRI website, and wore official accreditation in Italy matches while sitting alongside several board members. He is the partner of FCRI President Maria Lorena Haz Paz and the two travelled together to India for the tournament. Another BBC report states that Haz Paz and other Italy Cricket members were fully aware of the allegations made against Prabath Ekneligoda before travelling to India for the showpiece event. The development has inevitably raised questions over governance standards, with potential reputation damage looming for the FCRI President. Italy Cricket’s reputation on the line despite dream T20 World Cup debut Under growing scrutiny, Italy Cricket faces a credibility crisis that could inflict lasting damage on its institutional standing and leadership structure. The timing of the matter could hardly get worse, as the FCRI bagged the unwanted spotlight at the height of the nation’s historic T20 World Cup debut. Italy men’s cricket team qualified for the 2026 showpiece event by finishing runner’s up at the 2025 Men's T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final last year.The national team justified its qualification by registering its maiden win in a T20 World Cup in just their second match of the tournament. Facing Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the Harry Manenti-led side secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory. The team also gave England a stern scare and eventually concluded its campaign by finishing fourth on the Group C points table. As of now, it remains to be seen whether the 'sexual assault' controversy will escalate further and what ramifications it could have for the FCRI’s top brass.Also Read- Sunil Gavaskar Launches Fresh Attack On Gautam Gambhir, Team India For SA Defeat