Cricket Australia has banned former Sri Lankan international and WBBL assistant coach Dulip Samaraweera from holding any position with Australian cricket for 20 years after he was found guilty of serious inappropriate behaviour.

An investigation was launched by the CA integrity unit after allegations of the inappropriate conduct were made while Samaraweera was employed by Cricket Victoria.

It was alleged the former Sri Lankan Test player behaved in a coercive and controlling manner towards a female cricketer over an extended period.

He was found to have breached the CA code of conduct and Samaraweera 52, is highly unlikely to coach again in Australia.

In supporting the ban, CV CEO, Nick Cummins labelled his behaviour “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,” he said.

“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.”

Samaraweera, who played seven Tests for Sri Lanka, had earlier this year been appointed Victorian women’s coach before resigning suddenly after he wanted to hire his brother – ex-Sri Lankan star Thilan Samaraweera – as the side’s batting coach.

The subsequent allegations prompted the investigation and he was found guilty of breaching section 2.23 of CA’s Code of Conduct.

He is banned from holding any position within CA or a State or Territory Association (including any W/BBL Team) for 20 years.