Former Sri Lankan cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been banned from holding any position in Australian cricket for 20 years due to inappropriate behavior. The 52-year-old, who played seven Test matches and five ODIs in the 1990s, was appointed as the head coach of the Victoria state women’s team in May but was removed after accusations of inappropriate conduct towards a woman player.
Cricket Australia’s Conduct Commission handed down the 20-year ban, citing a serious violation of their code of conduct. The ban prevents Samaraweera from working with Cricket Australia or any state or territory association, including the Big Bash League teams.
Cricket Victoria’s Chief Executive Nick Cummins praised the victim for her courage in coming forward and supported the decision. “This conduct was absolutely unacceptable and goes against the values we uphold at Cricket Victoria,” Cummins said. “The victim has shown incredible strength in speaking out.”