Sexual harassment allegations against the Sri Lankan coach of the Italian women's cricket team

Il Messaggero newspaper in Italy reports that a Sri Lankan, who serves as the head coach of the Italian national women's cricket team, has been accused of sexual harassment. The 57-year-old, Prabath Ekneligoda, is also reported by local media to be the partner of Maria Haas Pass, the current president of the Italian Cricket Federation.

Roman legal authorities have launched an investigation against Prabath Ekneligoda, who worked as a cricket coach at the Spinaceto stadium in Rome, on charges of sexual abuse. The investigation is related to an alleged sexual assault on a player of the Italian national women's cricket team, and suspicions have also arisen that this is not an isolated incident.

Due to the power and discretion he held within the cricket field, many female players were extremely afraid of him. The complaint from a victimized player states that many remained silent about these abuses out of fear that their sports careers would be destroyed. The complaint further emphasizes that he had enough influence through his network of connections to darken the future of any player who did not comply with him.

Information has emerged that he maintained sexual relationships with three adult female players in exchange for a place in the Italian women's national team. Another player, upon learning of these actions, was courageous enough to speak out against him. However, as a result, she was removed from the national team, and the accused coach severely threatened her not to reveal these facts to anyone.

This coach's inappropriate behavior was not limited to adult female players. Serious allegations have also been made that he took several minor girls to a container at the stadium under the guise of providing massages to treat sports injuries and assaulted them. The complainant further revealed that by applying severe psychological pressure, demanding sexual favors, and expecting complete submission, he subjected many players, including herself, to intense fear and mental breakdown.