CA bans ex-victoria women's coach due to inappropriate behavior

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Former Sri Lanka cricketer Dulip Samaraweera was handed a 20-year ban from Cricket Australia for breaching the code of conduct.

The violation was described as "utterly reprehensible" and he will not be allowed to hold any position within CA, the state associations, BBL or WBBL clubs.

Samaraweera was found to have committed a series breach of CA's Code of Conduct during his time as a Cricket Victoria employee.

Samaraweera resigned from the Victoria women's senior coaching role earlier this year just after two weeks after being denied an appointment he wanted to make to his staff due to the state's policies.

CA's 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.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins released a statement condemning Samaraweera's behaviour.

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

CA also stated that they are "committed to providing a safe environment for all players and employees and the welfare of those subjected to mistreatment is paramount."

Samaraweera played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, he was a long-time Victoria women's coach and served Melbourne Stars WBBL as an assistant coach.