“The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice,” an SLC media release said. “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.” Niroshan Dickwella was suspended from all forms of cricket on Friday, August 16, following an alleged anti-doping violation during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024. His suspension will stand until the investigation is completed.
In League of Premier League 2024, Dickwella captained the Galle Marvels. The team finished the round-robin phase with the highest point total under his direction. Throughout their eight games played this season, they won five and lost just three. Their victory over Jaffna Kings in Qualifier 1 was followed by a comprehensive nine-wicket loss in the summit match.Dickwella flattered to deceive during the season, managing just 184 runs from 10 innings at an appalling average of 18.40. Nonetheless, his striking percentage was a remarkable 153.33. The Kandy-born scored just a solitary half-century during the season.
The 31-year-old has played 54 Tests, 55 ODIs, and 28 T20Is so far for the Lankan Lions. He has aggregated 2,757, 1,604, and 480 runs in the three formats, respectively. Dickwella made his last international appearance in March 2023 at the Hagley Oval against New Zealand in a Test match. Meanwhile, in T20Is and ODIs, his last appearances came in 2021 and 2022, respectively.Dickwella’s LPL 2024 batting performance was so poor that he was left out of the Sri Lankan white-ball squads for the just finished home series against India. The fact that Sri Lanka has had many choices for wicketkeepers in their lineup recently hasn’t helped Dickwella’s cause. Now, as he attempts to turn around his faltering international career, this suspension represents a significant blow for the southpaw.
