Former Australian Youth Player Charges Team Official of Rape During 1985 Tour

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• Jan 4, 2022 | Deleted

Digital Desk: Jamie Mitchell, a former Australian youth cricket player, has accused team administrators of sexually abusing him during the Under-19 tour of Sri Lanka in 1985, according to Australian police.

Mitchell, now 55, claims he was assaulted after being given a sedative by a team doctor. He made the charges during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Mitchell, an 18-year-old batsman on the trip, decided to contact Cricket Australia for answers last August after seeing a team photo online. He also reported the government's anti-corruption and anti-abuse watchdog, which notified federal authorities.

Mitchell, addressing through his lawyers, claimed the tour had caused him "pain and sorrow" throughout his life and that he was now looking for answers about what happened on it.

Mitchell cited on the ABC website, "I'm relieved that, finally, there's some investigation to the 1985 tour."

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"Rather than being a pinnacle of my cricketing career, the tour has been a source of anguish and distress for me for many years." he added.

"Cricket Australia has an opportunity to set itself apart by confronting this issue and doing the right thing. And that entails transparency, beginning with accurate responses to a variety of inquiries. I'm going to email Cricket Australia a list of them." Mitchell said.

Mitchell also demanded to provide information about the tour with his medical records.

"My primary focus is on obtaining answers and ensuring the safety of the players. Cricket Australia should take this very seriously, in my opinion." he said.

Mitchell said he felt unwell on the night of March 30 in Colombo and went to the team doctor, who injected him with a strong medicine that knocked him out for at least 10 hours.

Further, he claims that his teammates were told not to check on him in his room that night and think a senior team official assaulted him during that time. However, he didn't go into much more explanation about how it happened.

"Most of the guys reported they couldn't find me for a few days. The next morning, they remember putting me in the shower to get me ready for the flight. They recall attempting to dress me. And I was taken to my parents in a wheelchair when we landed." Mitchell said.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia's CEO, Nick Hockley, stated that his organization was devoted to the safety of its players and employees.

"We are fully committed to ensuring that our organization and sport foster an inclusive, safe, and caring environment for all. Any type of abuse will not be tolerated." Hockley stated.

"I'd want to appreciate Jamie Mitchell for his bravery in bringing these concerns to our attention. We're helping the cops with their investigation and want to help Mr. Mitchell in any way we can." Hockley added.

According to the ABC report, a Cricket Australia official acknowledged the existence of various papers related to the tour and that investigators are aware of them.