Italian cricket is facing a crisis over alleged sexual assault by a senior figure in the national governing body

Italian cricket is in crisis days after the country made its debut in the T20 World Cup, as it emerged that a senior official at the national governing body has been investigated over a sexual assault allegation.

The Italian Cricket Federation’s (FCRI) women’s cricket coordinator Prabath Ekneligoda, 57, has been the subject of a criminal investigation relating to an allegation that he inappropriately touched a member of the Azzurri women’s national team.

Several members of the Italy board are said to have resigned over this and other management issues, BBC Sport has been told.

The sexual assault allegation was made to police in Rome in March last year by a player representing the national team.

The player, whose identity has been protected for legal reasons, claimed the sexual assault occurred while massaging a knee injury during a training session, and she was afraid to report the incident because she feared it would cost her a place in the team.

The Rome prosecutor concluded the investigation in November 2025, and police interviewed Ekneligoda the following month.

A decision is now due to be made on whether there is sufficient evidence to stand trial. Ekneligoda’s lawyer said his client denies the allegations, that there are ulterior motives to the allegations, and that a witness supports his version of events.

The FCRI said in a statement to BBC Sport that it “indicated that proceedings are currently ongoing before the Federal Prosecutor’s Office” and will “cooperate with the relevant authorities.”

The statement added: “The Italian Cricket Federation reaffirms that its conduct is guided by the principles of justice, transparency and the protection of its registered members, as well as the ethical and civil standards on which the sporting system is based.”

“The Federation therefore refers to the competent judicial authorities any decisions arising from this matter.”

Ekneligoda, who is originally from Sri Lanka, was suspended from his position with FCRI in November but remains a visible presence on the Italian cricket scene.

He is a partner of FCRI President Maria Lorena Haze Paz and accompanied her to India to participate in the Men’s T20 World Cup.

BBC Sport has seen evidence suggesting that Eknelgoda attended Italy matches wearing official passes, and was allowed to sit with the rest of the FCRI squad.

Eknelgoda was also seen at several events held for the Italian cricket delegation, including a reception at the Italian Consulate in Kolkata for officials, players and coaching staff.

FCRI, its president Haz Baz and safeguarding officers were fully aware of the seriousness of the allegations made against Ekneligoda before the World Cup.

Last weekend, Il Messaggero, external and Corriere della Sera, external The allegations were first reported in Italian media.

As of Monday, Ekneligoda was still listed as women’s cricket coordinator on the FCRI website.

Sources told BBC Sport that some FCRI board members resigned over the matter, and other management issues, putting Haz Paz’s position under further scrutiny.

Italian cricket’s top brass fear potential reputational damage, and the possibility of legal cases, will hamper their chances of capitalizing on their T20 World Cup debut and growing the game further in the country.

Hazz Paz was appointed president of the Italian Cricket Federation in February 2025 until 2028.

Italy’s debut in the T20 World Cup, and the stories of some of its players, has captured the imagination of the cricket world.

The Azzurri failed to reach the Super 8 stage but beat Nepal in Mumbai and worried England in Kolkata in their Group C matches.