Cricket Australia bans former Victorian women’s coach Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years

A former Sri Lankan Test cricketer has been banned by Cricket Australia for 20 years for inappropriate behaviour towards a female cricketer.

Dulip Samaraweera, while an assistant coach with Melbourne Stars Women's Big Bash League team. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Former Sri Lankan Test player Dulip Samaraweera allegedly behaved in a coercive and controlling manner towards a female cricketer over an extended period, leading to a 20-year ban from Cricket Australia.

Samaraweera was on Thursday found to have breached the CA code of conduct following a saga that has shocked the Victorian cricket community.

As revealed by this masthead late last month, CA investigated long-time Victorian and Melbourne Stars assistant coach Samaraweera over allegations of highly inappropriate historical conduct towards a female player.

While the victim’s identity remains classified, it can be revealed Samaraweera is alleged to have dramatically overstepped the mark in his conduct towards a female player, grossly taking advantage of a power imbalance between him and the cricketer.

Samaraweera, 52, is now highly unlikely to coach again in Australia. The former Sri Lankan batter had earlier this year been appointed Victorian women’s coach before resigning suddenly over a disagreement relating to him wanting to hire his brother - ex-Sri Lankan star Thilan Samaraweera - as the side’s batting coach, a breach of Cricket Victoria’s conflict of interest policy.

He had been hugely popular member within senior Victorian women’s playing ranks, working closely with superstars Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry.

Samaraweera had been due to coach Australia A in a women’s series against India A but was stood down once the allegations emerged.

Cricket Victoria's announcement of Samaraweera's appointment on May 8, 2024. Picture: Cricket Victoria website

A statement from Cricket Australia said that the inappropriate conduct took place while Samaraweera was employed by Cricket Victoria.

“CA and CV are committed to providing a safe environment for all players and employees and the welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount,” the statement read.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins said “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.”

Australian Cricketers Association boss Todd Greenberg said that the findings would shock and upset many in the cricket community.

“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,” he said.

“We have raised this imperative with Cricket Australia.”

Samaraweera has not returned calls or messages about the matter.

Originally published as Cricket Australia bans former Victorian women’s coach Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years