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Federazione Cricket Italiana suspended Prabath Ekneligoda after sexual harassment allegations by a women’s team player.
Italy won a game at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (AFP)
Days after making a historic debut on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Italian cricket has been shaken by sexual harassment allegations made by a women’s team player against the ladies’s cricket coordinator, Prabath Ekneligoda. The Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI) has informed that Ekneligoda has been suspended by the nation’s cricket board.
Based on an announcement released by FCRI, these allegations are currently under investigation by the federal prosecutor.
“The Federation confirms that, during 2025, the President of the federation acting inside her institutional responsibilities and with the complete safeguarding of the athletes and other parties involved in mind, ordered the immediate precautionary suspension of the person concerned from all federal duties and activities,” the board statement said, as per Cricinfo.
“This measure was adopted pending a radical and definitive assessment of the circumstances. The choice was taken as a prudent and responsible step, aimed toward stopping any undue speculation, preserving the integrity of the sporting environment, and ensuring that any fact-finding takes place in the suitable forums, with full respect for private dignity, due process and the presumption of innocence.”
Deny Allegations
Ekneligoda’s lawyer has denied the allegations, claiming they’ve “ulterior motives.”
FCRI media manager Rakbir Hasan confirmed to the web site that Ekneligoda had travelled with the board president, Maria Lorena Haz Paz, to the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka but didn’t have any official duties.
“It’s further noted that proceedings are currently under way before the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, which is accountable for carrying out the assessments and investigations provided under sporting regulations,” the FCRI said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
February 24, 2026, 23:33 IST
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