Former Test cricketer and Victorian women’s coach Dulip Samaraweera under investigation for serious misconduct towards female player

A former Sri Lankan Test cricketer and women’s cricket coach has been stood down by Cricket Australia while he is investigated for allegations of serious misconduct towards a professional women’s player.

Victorian players are seen during the Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) One-Day match. Picture: AAP Image for Cricket Australia/David Mariuz

A former Sri Lankan Test cricketer is being investigated by Cricket Australia over allegations of serious misconduct towards a professional female player.

Former Victorian women’s cricket coach and ex-Sri Lankan Test player Dulip Samaraweera is at the centre of the CA probe over alleged historic conduct relating to the woman.

It is understood the issue is being dealt with by CA’s integrity department and that a code of conduct hearing is set to take place.

Samaraweera, 52, was due to take on a role coaching the Australia A women’s team during its recent series against India A but was stood down as soon as the allegations were raised.

“Cricket Victoria are unable to comment on the proceedings as they are currently underway, we will make comment on the proceedings at the appropriate time,” CV Nick Cummins told this masthead.

Dulip Samaraweera (left) is facing an allegation of serious misconduct against a professional female cricketer. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Samaraweera has coached in Australia for more than a decade following an international career with Sri Lanka in which he played five Tests and seven one-day internationals.

He was a long-time assistant coach with the Victorian women’s team and Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League.

Having taken over mid-season last year as head coach of the Victorian women’s team following the exit of Jarrad Loughman, Samaraweera was appointed head coach on a full-time basis but bizarrely left his post just a fortnight after being unveiled.

His departure is understood to have been related to his demand to hire his brother - former Sri Lankan international star Thilan Samaraweera - as the women’s team’s batting coach in what was a breach of Cricket Victoria’s conflict of interest protocols.

Andrew Christie has since taken over as Victorian women’s team coach.

Dulip Samaraweera has had longstanding professional relationships with several of Victoria’s top players, several of whom were believed to be disappointed when he departed his post and had initially lobbied for him to keep his role as batting coach.

Samaraweera did not return calls or respond to messages.