Melbourne: Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Dulip Samaraweera, who coached the Victoria women’s team, has been banned for 20 years by the country’s board after being found guilty of breaching the code of conduct by displaying “completely reprehensible” behaviour while playing for the team.

Samaraweera, who played seven Test matches and five ODI matches for Sri Lanka and first joined Cricket Victoria as batting coach in 2008, was suspended following an investigation by Cricket Australia’s Department of Integrity.

According to cricket.com.au, the 52-year-old will not be eligible to hold any position at a cricket club in Australia for the next two decades.

Samaraweera was found to have committed a “serious breach” of section 2.23 of the CA Code of Conduct, which deals with conduct that is “contrary to the spirit of cricket, unbecoming of an official or servant, prejudicial or likely to be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or to bring the game of cricket into disrepute”.

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins in a statement supported the ban and praised the victim for taking action on his case.

No details were given about the incident that led to the result, but an article in the Sydney Morning Herald, citing sources, said the Sri Lankan had been accused of having “forcible relations with a player”.

“In our view, this behaviour was completely reprehensible and a betrayal of all the values ​​we stand for at Cricket Victoria,” Cummins said.

“The victim in this case has shown incredible strength of character and courage in speaking out. She will continue to receive our ongoing support as she achieves her goals on and off the pitch,” he added.

Samaraweera, who has yet to respond to the verdict, was appointed interim coach of the team in November last year before taking up the role full-time in May this year. He resigned within two weeks of being promoted. He was also an assistant coach with Women’s Big Bash League side Melbourne Stars.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association supported the CA’s ruling.

“These are extremely serious findings that will shock and upset many members of the cricket community,” said chief executive Todd Greenberg.