Thu Sep 19 10:07:56 UTC 2024: ## Former Sri Lankan Cricketer Banned for 20 Years Over “Utterly Reprehensible” Conduct

Melbourne, Australia – Dulip Samaraweera, a former Sri Lankan Test player and influential Victorian batting coach, has been banned from holding any position within Australian cricket for 20 years. The ban, which stems from a serious breach of the code of conduct relating to historic conduct towards a woman, was announced by Cricket Australia on [Date].

Samaraweera, who has lived in Melbourne for nearly two decades, was appointed as Victoria’s women’s head coach earlier this year. However, he resigned after only two weeks in May following allegations of misconduct.

An investigation by Cricket Australia’s integrity department found that the 52-year-old had breached the “catch-all” provision in the sport’s code of conduct, which addresses conduct against the spirit of the game and actions that bring cricket into disrepute.

Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins described the conduct as “utterly reprehensible” and a “betrayal of everything we stand for”. He praised the woman involved for her courage in speaking up and emphasized Cricket Victoria’s commitment to a culture of zero tolerance towards such behavior.

Cricket Australia, in a statement, reiterated their commitment to providing a safe environment for all players and employees and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of those subjected to mistreatment.

Samaraweera, who boasts a long history of working with some of Australia’s best female players, including serving as assistant coach for the under-19 women’s team during the 2022-23 season, played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka in the 1990s.

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