Former Sri Lankan cricketer Dulip Samaraweera has been banned for 20 years by Cricket Australia (CA) due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a female cricketer.

The CA integrity unit launched an investigation after complaints were made about Dulip’s conduct during his time as an employee of Cricket Victoria.

The investigation revealed that he exhibited a “coercive and controlling manner” towards the player over an extended period, leading to the ban.

As a result of breaching the CA’s Code of Conduct, Samaraweera will be unable to hold any position within CA or state cricket.

Nick Cummins, CEO of Cricket Victoria, labelled the former cricketer’s behaviour as “utterly reprehensible and a betrayal of everything we stand for.”

Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins issued a statement condemning Dulip’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 organisational 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” He added.

Dulip Samaraweera, who played seven Tests and five ODIs for Sri Lanka between 1993 and 1995, had a long coaching career. He was previously an assistant coach for Victoria’s women’s team and the Melbourne Stars in the WBBL.

He was appointed as the senior coach for Victoria’s women earlier this year but resigned just two weeks into the role after being denied a staffing request.