Coach banned for 20 years, tried to have relationship with female cricketer

In a first of its kind judgement, a domestic coach and a former cricketer has been banned for 20 years for ‘inappropriate’ behavior towards a female cricketer. The coach is question is former Sri Lanka cricketer Dulip Samaraweera, who had been working with Victoria women’s cricket team.

But the Australian cricket board, Cricket Australia (CA), have banned him for 20 years for breaching code of conduct by his ‘utterly reprehensible’ behavior during his stint with the side. Samaraweera, who played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka and first joined Cricket Victoria as a batting coach in 2008, was banned following an investigation by Cricket Australia’s Integrity Department.

“Following an investigation by Cricket Australia’s Integrity department, the case was referred to the Conduct Commission. Samaraweera was found to have committed a ‘serious breach’ of clause 2.23 of the CA’s Code of Conduct, which concerns conduct ‘contrary to the spirit of cricket, is unbecoming of a representative or official, is or could be harmful to the interests of cricket, or does or could bring the game of cricket into disrepute’,” a CA statement read.

 

Dulip Samaraweera Sri Lanka Ex cricketer receives a 20 year ban from Cricket Australia. Commission found Samaraweera had engaged in inappropriate behaviour that breached section 2.23 of CA’s Code of Conduct. The behaviour is alleged to have been involving a player. #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/KKM9e2qDBt

— Ceylon X (@CeylonX6) September 19, 2024

According to Cricket Australia website, the 52-year-old will not be allowed to hold any position in the cricketing set-up Down Under for the next two decades. In a statement, Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins backed the ban and lauded the victim for pursuing her case.

He did not give the specifics of the incident that led to this outcome but a ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ report, quoting sources, said the Sri Lankan was accused of ‘coercive relationship with a player’. “It is our view that the conduct was utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for at Cricket Victoria,” 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,” he added.

Samaraweera, who is yet to react to the verdict, was appointed interim head coach of the team in November last year before taking the position full-time in May this year. He resigned within two weeks of that elevation. He was also an assistant coach with Women’s Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association supported CA’s verdict. “These are extremely serious findings that may shock and upset many in the cricket community,” said ACA chief executive Todd Greenberg.

(with PTI inputs)