Cricket Australia shockingly bans former Sri Lanka cricketer for 20 years

Cricket Australia, on Thursday (September 19), announced that it has slapped a 20-year ban on former Sri Lankan cricketer Dulip Samaraweera for committing a serious breach of the Code of Conduct.

Dulip Samaraweera has been banned from holding any position within Australian cricket for the next two decades. He won't be able to hold any position in Australia's national team or a State or even Territory Association (including any W/BBL Team) for 20 years.

Cricket Australia took the decision to ban Dulip Samaraweera after he was found guilty of serious breach of Code of Conduct when he was plying his trade as a head coach for Victoria's women's team. Cricket Victoria has described the former cricketer's behavior as "utterly reprehensible".

Cricket Australia's Integrity Department investigated the matter before the case was referred to the Conduct Commission. The Cricket Australia investigation found Dulip Samaraweera committing a "serious breach" of clause 2.23 of the CA's Code of Conduct.

Cricket Victoria CEO on Cricket Australia banning Dulip Samaraweera:

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins 'strongly' supported the verdict to ban Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years. He also highlighted that the former cricketer's behaviour was a 'betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria'. Speaking further, he commended the female victim for speaking up and stated that the organization would continue to support her.

"We strongly support the decision taken by the Code of Conduct Commission today, banning Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years," said Cummins.

"It is our view 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.

"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," added Cummins.

Dulip Samaraweera represented Sri Lanka in seven Tests and five ODIs in the 1990s. After his playing career was over, he has been plying his trade as a coach. In 2008, he joined Cricket Victoria's women's program as a specialist batting coach.

In November 2023, he was also named the interim head coach of the side. Later, he was appointed the full-time coach as well. However, he resigned from the role within a month. As per reports, he wanted Cricket Victoria to appoint his brother as an assistant coach but his request was not fulfilled.

A bizarre fortnight at Cricket Victoria…

Two weeks ago Dulip Samaraweera was appointed the state’s women’s cricket coach.

Today he quit after his request to have his brother Tilan Samaraweera made an assistant was rejected. CV’s position was clear: One relative should not…

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) May 21, 2024