Italian Women’s Cricket: In Crisis
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that Italian cricket is in crisis only days after the country's T20 World Cup debut, as it emerged that Prabath Ekneligoda, who is originally from Sri Lanka and 57 years old and the women's cricket co-ordinator of Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI), is the subject of a criminal investigation relating to a claim that he inappropriately touched a member of the Azzurri women's national team.
The sexual assault allegation was made to police in Rome in March 2025 by a player, who has represented the national team, and this has led to the resignations of several members of the FCRI board
The player alleged that the sexual assault occurred during a massage on a knee injury at a training session.
An investigation was concluded by a Rome prosecutor in November 2025 and Ekneligoda was interviewed by police in December 2025.
A decision will now be made whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial. Ekneligoda's lawyer has stated that his client denies the allegation; that there are ulterior motives to the allegation; and that a witness supports his version of events.
FCRI has stated that they will "co-operate with the relevant authorities".
And has added that:
"The Italian Cricket Federation reiterates that its conduct is guided by principles of fairness, transparency and the protection of its registered members, as well as by the ethical and civic standards that underpin the sporting system."
Ekneligoda, who has been suspended, is the partner of Maria Lorena Haz Paz, who is the first woman President of FCRI and was appointed in February 2025 until 2028.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
