‘Utterly reprehensible’: Former Test player banned from Australian cricket for 20 years

Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been banned from holding any positions in Australian cricket for 20 years after a Cricket Australia integrity investigation found he had a coercive relationship with a female player he coached.

Three senior cricket sources, who would not be named because of the sensitive nature of the case, said the charges related to “coercive and controlling” behaviour towards a player, which lasted for more than five years while he held numerous coaching roles.

The player spoke up earlier this year when she learned that Samaraweera had been appointed to a development job with CA, triggering the investigation.

Dulip Samaraweera.Credit: Getty Images

“It is our view that the conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria,” Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins said.

“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.”

The code of conduct hearing took place in Melbourne on Thursday morning, presided over by CA’s head of integrity, Jacqui Partridge. The player was present, alongside legal representation for her and Samaraweera, who appeared via video link.

Australian Cricketers Association chief executive Todd Greenberg called on CA to ensure the sport was safe.

“These are extremely serious findings that may shock and upset many in the cricket community,” Greenberg said.

“The safety and wellbeing of our members remains paramount. The leaders in Australian cricket now need to ensure that every possible measure is taken to ensure things like this never happen again. We have raised this imperative with Cricket Australia.”

There is no criminal investigation.

Samaraweera was contacted for comment. He played seven Tests between 1993 and 1995, and has held various coaching roles with Cricket Victoria dating back to 2008.

In early May this year, Samaraweera was appointed head coach of the Victorian women’s team, but the appointment lasted barely two weeks.

By May 21, he had resigned because CV declined to appoint his brother, fellow former Test cricketer Thilan Samaraweera, as an assistant coach, due to its human resources policies.

“During the recruitment process Dulip had expressed a desire to make a specific coaching appointment in his support team. That appointment was unable to be facilitated due to internal policies we have in place,” Cummins said at the time.

“Following further conversations, Dulip decided he would prefer not to remain in the role.”

A few weeks later, Samaraweera was appointed to a temporary CA role as an assistant coach for a women’s development series due to take place in Queensland. At that point, the player contacted CA’s integrity hotline and Samaraweera was stood down pending the investigation.

CA said in a statement: “The conduct commission found that Samaraweera engaged in inappropriate behaviour that breached section 2.23 of CA’s code of conduct. The allegations of inappropriate conduct took place while Samaraweera was employed by Cricket Victoria.

“The CA integrity department investigates complaints brought to it under integrity codes and policies which also apply to state and territory associations. The conduct commission hears matters referred to it by CA integrity.

“CA and [Cricket Victoria] are committed to providing a safe environment for all players and employees and the welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount. We strongly encourage the reporting of inappropriate behaviours, which can be made directly to the CA integrity unit or via the core integrity hotline.”

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.