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Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been handed a further 10-year ban by Cricket Australia (CA) following allegations of misconduct involving a second individual. This comes on top of a 20-year suspension issued earlier this year for inappropriate behavior toward a female player, bringing the total duration of his ban to 30 years, to be served concurrently.
The latest allegations stem from Samaraweera’s time as a private coach while employed by Cricket Victoria. While he denied the claims and opted not to participate in the investigation, CA found him in breach of the sport’s code of conduct.
The suspension means the 51-year-old Colombo-born former cricketer will remain barred from any involvement with Australian cricket at both state and national levels until 2044, by which time he will be 72.
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Background and Reactions
Samaraweera’s previous suspension followed findings of inappropriate behavior toward a female player during his tenure with Cricket Victoria’s women’s program, where he had been a prominent figure for nearly 16 years. Cricket Victoria’s CEO, Nick Cummins, had strongly condemned his actions as “utterly reprehensible” and a betrayal of the organization’s values.
Cummins reaffirmed Cricket Victoria’s commitment to player safety and well-being, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture where individuals feel safe to speak up.
“The victim in this case has shown incredible courage in coming forward,” Cummins said after the first set of charges. “We will continue to support her as she pursues her goals on and off the field.”
Neither of the complainants involved in the investigations has opted to pursue criminal charges at this stage.
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Samaraweera’s Career and Resignation
A former Test opener for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, Samaraweera transitioned into coaching and became a key figure in Cricket Victoria’s women’s program. He served as a long-time assistant coach for the Melbourne Stars in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and acted as Victoria’s interim head coach for most of the 2022-23 season.
He was expected to take on the role full-time but resigned in May due to a conflict of interest policy that prevented him from appointing his brother, Thilan, to the coaching staff.
