Cricket Australia has banned former Sri Lankan international Dulip Samaraweera from coaching in Australia for 20 years due to “utterly reprehensible” conduct. The ban, imposed by Cricket Australia (CA), prevents Samaraweera from holding any position within CA, state associations, or Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) clubs during this period.
Samaraweera, 52, who played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, was an assistant coach for Victoria women’s and Melbourne Stars WBBL teams. Earlier this year, he was promoted to the Victoria women’s senior coaching role but resigned shortly after because of disagreements over staff appointments. However, the recent ban is unrelated to that issue.
The ban follows an investigation by CA’s Integrity Department after complaints about Samaraweera’s conduct. The CA Code of Conduct Commission found that he had breached section 2.23 of CA’s Code of Conduct by engaging in inappropriate behavior involving a player.
Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins strongly supported the ban, stating, “We strongly support the decision taken by the Code of Conduct Commission today, banning Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years. His conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria.”
Cummins praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and emphasized Cricket Victoria’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all players and staff. CA reiterated its commitment to providing a secure environment and supporting those affected by mistreatment.
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