SLC suspends Dickwella following alleged anti-doping violations

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) suspended wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella from all forms of the game on August 16 (Friday) due to an alleged anti-doping rule violation during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024. 

SLC released a statement to inform that his suspension was effective immediately and would remain in place until further notice by the board. The doping test was conducted by the Sri Lanka Anti-doping Agency (SLADA) during the LPL 2024. 

Dickwella, who has played 54 Tests, 55 ODIs and 28 T20Is, has been in trouble with the SLC regarding disciplinary issues in the past. This anti-doping violation is the newest in a long history of problems.  

In June 2021, during Sri Lanka’s tour to England, SLC suspended him along with Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka for breaching the bio-secure bubble. He was banned for one year then, but SLC lifted the ban early. 

Prior to that, the 31-year-old had been fined his match fees on multiple occasions. He even had to miss two limited-overs matches in February 2017 after he breached the code of conduct against Australia. 

“The test, which was conducted by SLADA during LPL 2024 is part of SLC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining integrity of sport,” a statement released by SLC said. 

“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. 

SLC, together with the Ministry of Sports and SLADA, conducts doping tests during domestic tournaments to safeguard the sports against anti-doping violations.

"The commitment to a clean and fair game is of utmost importance to SLC, and any allegations of violations are taken with the highest level of seriousness.”

It is understood by many in the know-how of the matter that the substance consumed by Dickwella was recreational in nature and not used for performance-enhancement. 

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here