- Dulip Cricket Australia bans Samaraweera for 20 years
- He was found guilty of ‘serious misconduct’
- He behaved in a ‘controlling’ manner towards a female cricketer.
- In his playing days, Samaraweera played Test matches for Sri Lanka.
Cricket Australia has banned former Sri Lanka international and WBBL assistant coach Dulip Samaraweera from holding any position in Australian cricket for 20 years after he was found guilty of “serious misconduct”.
CA’s integrity unit launched an investigation after allegations of inappropriate conduct were made while Samaraweera was working for Cricket Victoria.
The former Sri Lanka Test player was alleged to have behaved in a “coercive and controlling” manner towards a female cricketer over a prolonged period.
He was found to have breached CA’s code of conduct and Samaraweera 52 is highly unlikely to train in Australia again.
In supporting the ban, chief executive Nick Cummins called his behaviour “totally reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria”.
“The victim in this case has shown incredible strength of character and courage in speaking out,” he said.
‘She will continue to receive our constant support to enable her to achieve her goals on and off the field.
From an organisational perspective, the safety and wellbeing of everyone at Cricket Victoria is paramount.
Cricket Australia has banned former Sri Lanka international and WBBL assistant coach Dulip Samaraweera (pictured left) from holding any position at national level for 20 years after he was found guilty of “serious inappropriate behaviour”.
The former Sri Lanka Test player was alleged to have behaved in a “coercive and controlling manner” towards a female cricketer over a prolonged period.
“We will not tolerate any behavior that compromises that position or our people and will always support our culture of speaking out.”
A statement from Cricket Australia confirmed the inappropriate conduct took place while Samaraweera was on the books of Cricket Victoria.
“CA and CV are committed to providing a safe environment for all players and staff and the welfare of those subject to mistreatment is paramount,” the statement read.
Samaraweera, who played seven Tests for Sri Lanka in his playing days, had earlier this year been appointed as coach of the Victoria women’s team before suddenly resigning after wanting to hire his brother, former Sri Lanka star Thilan Samaraweera, as the team’s batting coach.
Subsequent allegations prompted an investigation and he was found guilty of violating section 2.23 of the CA Code of Conduct.
He is banned from holding any position within CA or a state or territory association (including any W/BBL team) for 20 years.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Samaraweera for comment.