Breaking News: Crisis in Italian Cricket Following Sexual Assault Allegation
Italian cricket is facing a serious crisis just days after the country’s debut at the T20 World Cup. Prabath Ekneligoda, the women’s cricket coordinator for the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI), is under investigation for a sexual assault allegation.
The allegation involves an incident where Ekneligoda is accused of inappropriately touching a player from the Azzurri women’s national team during a massage at a training session. The player reported the incident to police in Rome in March 2022.
Ekneligoda, 57, was suspended from his role in November 2022. He denies the allegations and claims there are ulterior motives behind them. An investigation by a Rome prosecutor concluded in November 2023, and a decision on whether to proceed with a trial is pending.
Reports indicate that multiple board members of the FCRI have resigned over this situation, raising concerns about governance within the organization. Ekneligoda’s partner, Maria Lorena Haz Paz, is the president of the FCRI.
The FCRI has stated it will cooperate with the authorities and emphasizes its commitment to fairness and transparency.
