Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella has been suspended with immediate effect by Sri Lanka Cricket for a doping violation.
The 31-year-old Dickwella was suspended following a test conducted during the Lanka Premier League 2024 by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA).
Dickwella was the captain of the Galle Marvels, who topped the points table but lost to Jaffna Kings in the final. He struck at 153.33 in the tournament, higher than his T20 career strike rate of 143.74, and averaged 18.40 from ten innings.
He hasn't played for Sri Lanka in the T20I format since 2021, and last appeared for them in a Test in 2023.
Suspended with immediate effect
A statement by Sri Lanka Cricket read: "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.
"SLC, together with the Ministry of Sports and SLADA, conducts these tests during domestic tournaments randomly to safeguard the sport against anti-doping violations."
The statement concluded with: "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."
In 2021, Dickwella, along with Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, were banned by Sri Lanka Cricket for breaching Covid-19 protocols during their tour to England.
Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka have been banned from international cricket for two years by SLC, with one year suspended, for breaching Covid-19 precautions on Sri Lanka's tour of England. pic.twitter.com/8aFiglxCy1
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 30, 2021
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