Dulip Samaraweera Receives 20-Year Coaching Ban in Australia for Breaching Conduct Code

Add as a preferred source on Google

Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been banned for 20 years by the country's cricket board. This decision follows an investigation by Cricket Australia's Integrity Department, which found him guilty of serious misconduct while coaching Victoria's women's team.

Samaraweera, who played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka, first joined Cricket Victoria as a batting coach in 2008.

Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct Breach

The 52-year-old was found to have violated clause 2.23 of Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct. This clause addresses behaviour that is contrary to the spirit of cricket, unbecoming of a representative or official, potentially harmful to cricket's interests, or capable of bringing the game into disrepute. Consequently, Samaraweera is barred from holding any position in Australian cricket for the next two decades.

Cricket Victoria's CEO, Nick Cummins, supported the ban and praised the victim for her bravery in pursuing the case. While specific details of the incident were not disclosed, a Sydney Morning Herald report suggested that Samaraweera was accused of having a coercive relationship with a player. Cummins stated, "It is our view that the conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria."

Support for the Victim

Cummins further commended the victim's courage and assured continued support to help her achieve her goals both on and off the field. "The victim in this case has demonstrated incredible strength of character and courage in speaking up," he added. The Australian Cricketers Association also backed Cricket Australia's decision.

Samaraweera has not yet responded to the verdict. He was appointed interim head coach of Victoria's women's team in November last year and took on the role full-time in May this year before resigning two weeks later. He also served as an assistant coach for the Women's Big Bash League team Melbourne Stars.

Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Todd Greenberg remarked on the gravity of the findings: "These are extremely serious findings that may shock and upset many in the cricket community."