Former Sri Lanka Cricketer Dulip Samaraweera Banned for 20 Years by Cricket Australia Over Misconduct
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been handed a 20-year ban from cricket roles in Australia following an investigation into inappropriate behaviour involving a female player.
Cricket Australia (CA) made the decision after its Conduct Commission found Samaraweera had breached the organisation’s Code of Conduct while working with Cricket Victoria (CV).
Samaraweera, 52, also resigned from his position as head coach of Victoria's women's team earlier this year, just weeks after taking on the role. This followed a separate issue regarding a staff appointment that had been denied due to state policies. However, the misconduct that led to his ban was unrelated to that issue.
Samaraweera, who has also been linked to other roles in cricket, including a potential coaching role with the Australia A women’s team, has not publicly responded to the ban. The decision marks a significant fall from grace for the former cricketer, who once represented his country on the international stage and later turned to coaching.
Samaraweera played seven Tests and five One Day Internationals (ODIs) for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995. Since then, he built a career as a coach, including stints with Victoria women's teams and the Melbourne Stars in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL).
However, the allegations of misconduct, which surfaced during his time at Cricket Victoria, led to an investigation by CA’s Integrity Department. The conduct was described as "utterly reprehensible" by CV’s Chief Executive, Nick Cummins.
“The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up,” Cummins said. “She will continue to receive our ongoing support to allow her to achieve her goals on and off the field.”
CA emphasised the importance of providing a safe environment: “The welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount,” the organisation stated.
Both CA and CV encourage the reporting of inappropriate behaviour, offering resources such as the Core Integrity Hotline for those who wish to come forward.
