"the conduct was utterly reprehensible"
Former Sri Lanka international and Women’s Big Bash League assistant coach Dulip Samaraweera has received a 20-year ban from Cricket Australia after he was found guilty of “serious inappropriate behaviour”.
An investigation was launched by the CA integrity unit after allegations of inappropriate conduct were made while Samaraweera was employed by Cricket Victoria.
He allegedly behaved in a “coercive and controlling manner” towards a female cricketer over an extended period.
The 52-year-old was found to have committed a serious breach of CA’s Code of Conduct, specifically section 2.23.
He is banned from holding any position within CA or a State or Territory Association (including any W/BBL Team) for 20 years.
After his ban has been served, it is highly unlikely Samaraweera will coach again in Australia.
Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Cummins condemned Dulip Samaraweera’s behaviour in a statement.
He said: “We strongly support the decision taken by the Code of Conduct Commission today, banning Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years.
“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.
“From an organisation perspective, the safety and wellbeing of everyone at Cricket Victoria is paramount.
“We will not tolerate any behaviour which compromises that position, or our people, and will always support our culture of speaking up.”
Cricket Australia confirmed the inappropriate conduct took place while Samaraweera was a Cricket Victoria employee.
In a statement, CA said they are “committed to providing a safe environment for all players and employees and the welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount”.
During his playing days, Dulip Samaraweera played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995.
He was a longtime Victoria women’s and Melbourne Stars WBBL assistant coach before being promoted to the Victoria women’s senior coaching role earlier in 2024.
But just two weeks into the role, he resigned because wanted to hire his brother Thilan Samaraweera as the side’s batting coach.
Samaraweera was denied the appointment due to the state’s policies.
Todd Greenberg, chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association, said:
“These are extremely serious findings that may shock and upset many in the cricket community.”
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