NEW DELHI: Just days after marking a historic first appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Italian cricket has been jolted by sexual harassment allegations levelled by a women’s team player against women’s cricket co ordinator Prabath Ekneligoda.
He has since been suspended, the Federazione Cricket Italiana confirmed.
In a statement, the FCRI said the matter is currently being investigated by the federal prosecutor.
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"The Federation confirms that, during 2025, the President of the federation acting within her institutional responsibilities and with the full safeguarding of the athletes and other parties involved in mind, ordered the immediate precautionary suspension of the individual concerned from all federal duties and activities," ESPN Cricinfo quoted the the board as saying in a statement.
"This measure was adopted pending a thorough and definitive assessment of the circumstances. The decision was taken as a prudent and responsible step, aimed at preventing any undue speculation, preserving the integrity of the sporting environment, and ensuring that any fact-finding takes place in the appropriate forums, with full respect for personal dignity, due process and the presumption of innocence."
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As per reports, Ekneligoda’s lawyer has rejected the claims, alleging that there were "ulterior motives" behind the accusations.
FCRI media manager Rakbir Hasan told the website that Ekneligoda had travelled alongside board president Maria Lorena Haz Paz during the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, though he did not hold any official responsibilities at the event.
"It is further noted that proceedings are currently under way before the Federal Prosecutor's Office, which is responsible for carrying out the assessments and investigations provided under sporting regulations," the FCRI said.
(With PTI Inputs)
