Thu Sep 19 10:07:45 UTC 2024: ## Former Sri Lankan Cricketer Banned from Australian Cricket for 20 Years Over Misconduct

**Melbourne, Australia:** Former Sri Lankan international cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been banned from holding any positions in Australian cricket for 20 years following an integrity investigation. The investigation found Samaraweera committed a serious breach of the Cricket Australia (CA) Code of Conduct, stemming from alleged historic inappropriate behavior towards a female player.

Samaraweera, who played for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, joined Cricket Victoria in 2008 as a batting coach and later served as interim head coach for the women’s team. The allegations of misconduct took place during his time with Cricket Victoria.

The Conduct Commission, which investigates complaints brought to it by the CA Integrity Department, found that Samaraweera’s actions violated section 2.23 of the CA Code of Conduct, which pertains to conduct that is contrary to the Spirit of Cricket, unbecoming of a representative or official, or harmful to the interests of cricket.

Cricket Australia released a statement emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe environment for all players and employees. The organization strongly encourages reporting of inappropriate behaviors through the CA Integrity Unit or the Core Integrity Hotline.

Samaraweera was initially appointed as full-time women’s coach in May, but resigned less than two weeks later. He was later slated to coach the Australia A women’s team against India A in August but was stood down when the allegations surfaced.

The 20-year ban signifies the seriousness of the allegations against Samaraweera and highlights Cricket Australia’s stance against any form of misconduct within the sport.

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