A former Australian under-19s cricketer has publicly alleged he was sexually assaulted by a team official during a representative tour of India and Sri Lanka in 1985. Jamie Mitchell, who was 18 at the time, said the incident caused him decades of trauma and distress.
Mitchell's discussions with Sports Integrity Australia prompted an Australian Federal Police investigation late last year. Cricket Australia is cooperating with the probe, but no charges have been laid. The official linked to the allegations denies any wrongdoing.
In a statement, Mitchell expressed relief that the tour was being investigated. 'Instead of being a highlight of my cricketing life, that tour has caused me trauma and distress over many years,' he said. 'Cricket Australia has a chance to distinguish itself by facing up to this issue and doing the right thing.'
Mitchell plans to send a list of questions to Cricket Australia, including what authorities knew about the official, whether any complaints were made, and if he was sacked after the alleged incident. He also seeks medical records from the tour, including details of injections he received from a team doctor.
Cricket Australia stated it is aware of the police investigation and is cooperating fully, but cannot comment further due to the ongoing probe. The organisation said it has 'no tolerance for any form of abuse' and is committed to ensuring a safe environment.
Rightside Legal partner Michael Magazanik, advising Mitchell, urged Cricket Australia to provide a comprehensive response quickly. 'This tour was in 1985, and that’s not ancient history … it’s in everyone’s interests that the information be provided quickly,' he said.
