Niroshan Dickwella suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket for anti-doping violation
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced an indefinite suspension for wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella due to a doping violation.
The suspension follows Dickwella’s failure to pass a doping test conducted according to World Anti-Doping guidelines during the recent Lanka Premier League. He will be barred from all forms of cricket while further investigations are underway.
The 31-year-old, who captained the Galle Marvels in the 2024 LPL, last represented the Sri Lankan national team in March 2023. Although he was called up for Sri Lanka’s T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this year, he did not play any matches. In a statement released on Friday, Sri Lanka cricket stated that the suspension for Dickwella was with immediate effect and will remain in place until further notice.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to inform the public that cricketer Niroshan Dickwella has been suspended from participating in all forms of cricket due to an alleged anti-doping violation.”
“The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.”
“The test, which was conducted by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024, is part of SLC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.”
“This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, is aimed at ensuring that cricket remains free from the influence of prohibited substances,” read the statement from Sri Lanka Cricket.
Dickwella’s issues in the past
The selectors had previously expressed concerns to Dickwella about his disciplinary issues. Known for his controversial off-field behavior and inconsistent performance, Dickwella has faced criticism throughout his career. In 2021, he was notably suspended along with Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilake for breaching bio-bubble protocols.
Dickwella has played across all formats for Sri Lanka, accumulating 2,757 runs in Tests, 1,604 runs in ODIs, and 480 runs in T20Is. The wicketkeeper-batter last played for Sri Lanka during a Test match against New Zealand in March 2023.