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The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been handed another jolt after their wicketkeeper-batter, Niroshan Dickwella was handed suspension. On Friday, August 16, SLC announced indefinite suspension for Dickwella due to anti-doping violations. It is to be noted that Dickwella failed to pass a doping test conducted according to the World Anti-Doping guidelines during the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
"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 statement from SLC read.
"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," it further added. The 31-year-old keeper-batter has been barred form all forms of cricket until further investigations are underway.
Niroshan Dickwella recently featured in LPL 2024, where he captained the Galle Marvels. Prior to that he last featured in the national colours in March 2023. While he was called in the Sri Lanka T20I series against Bangladesh, but did not get a game. Moreover, it is to be noted that this is not the first time the 31-year-olf cricketer has come into limelight for such reasons.
Previously, the selectors expressed concerns to Dickwella about his disciplinary issues. In 2021, he was suspended along with Kusal Medis and Danushka Gunathilake for breaching the bio-bubble protocols.
