Former Sri Lankan cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been handed a 20-year ban by Cricket Australia (CA) following allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a female cricketer.
An investigation by the CA integrity unit revealed that Samaraweera, during his tenure with Cricket Victoria, displayed a “coercive and controlling manner” towards the player over an extended period, leading to the severe sanction.
As a result of this breach of CA’s Code of Conduct, Samaraweera is prohibited from holding any position within CA or state cricket organizations.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins condemned Samaraweera’s actions, describing them as “utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for.” He expressed strong support for the ban and praised the victim for her courage in coming forward.
Cummins emphasized that Cricket Victoria prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of everyone associated with the organization and will not tolerate behavior that undermines its values.
Samaraweera, who played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, had a notable coaching career. He was an assistant coach for Victoria’s women’s team and the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL. He was recently appointed as the senior coach for Victoria’s women but resigned shortly after, following a staffing request denial.
