New Delhi: Cricket Australia banned former Sri Lankan opener Dulip Samaraweera on Thursday from coaching for 20 years over “inappropriate behaviour”.
He was appointed as the head coach of state Victoria’s women’s team in May but he had to resign only two weeks into a two-year contract after allegations of misconduct towards a player surfaced.
Before his full-time appointment, Samaraweera was the team’s interim head coach since November 2023.
The 52-year-old was “from holding any position within CA or a state or territory association (including any W/BBL team) for 20 years” by Cricket Australia after citing a serious breach of conduct.
An investigation by CA’s conduct commission revealed existence of a “coercive” relationship between him and a female player.
The probe’s findings were released by CA’s integrity department that showed Samaraweera violating section 2.23 of its code of conduct.
“The CA integrity department investigates complaints brought to it under integrity codes and policies, which also apply to state and territory associations,” the CA said in a statement.
“We strongly encourage the reporting of inappropriate behaviors, which can be made directly to the CA integrity unit or via the core integrity hotline.”
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins stressed on the importance of well being of players, while praising the courage of the player for reporting misconduct to the authorities.
“We strongly support the decision taken by the Code of Conduct Commission today, banning Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years,” Cummins told cricket.com.au.
“It is our view that the conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria.
“The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up. She will continue to receive our ongoing support to allow her to achieve her goals on and off the field.”
Samaraweera had played seven Tests and five ODIs between 1993 and 1994, and received one of the strictest sanctions in Australian cricket in recent times.
Dulip Samaraweera had to resign only two weeks into a two-year contract after allegations of misconduct towards a woman player surfaced. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
