Italy Cricket Faces Sexual Assault Crisis
Italian cricket is facing turmoil after allegations of sexual assault by a senior figure in the national governing body surfaced, days after the country's T20 World Cup exit. The unfolding situation has cast a shadow over Italian cricket and may prompt structural changes within the organization. Meanwhile, England's Moeen Ali stated that players will not support any boycott or exclusion of Pakistani stars in The Hundred, following last week's ECB warnings.
- The official under investigation is Prabath Ekneligoda, the women's cricket co-ordinator for the Federazione Cricket Italiana (FCRI). The allegation, which he denies, involves inappropriately touching a female national team player during a massage for a knee injury. - The player filed a complaint with Rome police in March 2025, stating she was initially hesitant to report the incident for fear of losing her spot on the team. There are also allegations that the accused demanded sexual favors in exchange for a place on the national team. - A Rome prosecutor concluded an investigation in November 2025, and authorities interviewed Ekneligoda the following month. A decision is pending on whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a trial. - The president of the Italian Cricket Federation, Maria Lorena Haz Paz, is the partner of the accused. Despite Ekneligoda's suspension in November 2025, he still accompanied the president to India for the men's T20 World Cup. - The controversy follows Italy's historic debut at the Men's T20 World Cup, where the team, making its first appearance at a major ICC tournament, secured a 10-wicket victory against Nepal but was eliminated in the group stage. - Regarding The Hundred, the ECB's warning was issued after reports that four franchises with Indian Premier League (IPL) ownership ties might refuse to sign Pakistani players due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. - A total of 67 Pakistani players—63 men and four women—have registered for The Hundred's player auction. Pakistani players have been effectively banned from the IPL since 2009.
