Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella banned for three years after failing a doping test during the 2024 LPL. Read more about the controversy.
In a shocking turn of events, Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella has been banned from all forms of cricket for three years after failing a doping test. This marks a significant blow to both the player’s career and the reputation of Sri Lankan cricket. Dickwella, a talented wicketkeeper-batter, tested positive for cocaine during the 2024 Lanka Premier League (LPL), leading to his suspension by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
A Promising Career Marred by Controversy
Niroshan Dickwella’s cricketing journey began with great promise. Born on June 23, 1993, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Dickwella rose through the ranks quickly, making his Test debut in 2014 against South Africa. Known for his aggressive style and innovative shots like the “Dilscoop,” Dickwella became a key player for Sri Lanka across all formats. Despite his on-field success, his career has been shadowed by disciplinary issues. This latest incident is the most serious of his career, potentially ending his international prospects.
Dickwella’s International Cricket Debut
Niroshan Dickwella’s big break came in 2014, when he made his debut for the Sri Lankan national team in a Test match against South Africa. He soon followed this with his One Day International (ODI) debut later that year against India, and his T20 International (T20I) debut in 2016.
Despite initial ups and downs, Dickwella quickly gained recognition for his aggressive style of play, particularly his innovative Dilscoops and audacious shots, which made him an exciting player to watch.
The Highlights of Dickwella’s Career
1. Notable Performances in International Cricket
While Dickwella may not have secured a Test century, he has delivered several important knocks for Sri Lanka. His highest score in Test cricket stands at 96, while his top score in ODIs is 116. He has shown consistency in both formats, averaging over 30 in both Tests and ODIs.
One of his finest moments came in 2017, when he scored his first ODI century against Zimbabwe. His partnership of 229 runs with Danushka Gunathilaka was crucial in helping Sri Lanka chase down a daunting target of 310, the first time the team achieved such a feat on home soil.
2. Dominance in Domestic and Franchise Cricket
Aside from international cricket, Dickwella has been a prolific player in domestic tournaments. He has represented several teams, including Nondescripts Cricket Club, Dambulla Viiking, and Galle Marvels in domestic leagues like the Lanka Premier League (LPL) and Global T20 Canada.
His vice-captaincy stints in various domestic tournaments highlight his leadership qualities and importance in Sri Lankan cricket.
The Doping Violation
Dickwella’s positive test for cocaine came during the Lanka Premier League on July 14, 2024. As per World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, out-of-competition use of cocaine is not typically considered a doping offense. However, since the violation occurred during a tournament, the repercussions were severe. Dickwella chose not to challenge the results by requesting a B-sample test, effectively admitting guilt. The three-year ban, effective from August 13, 2024, is a harsh sentence and casts a long shadow over his future in cricket.
Past Disciplinary Issues
This isn’t Dickwella’s first run-in with disciplinary action. In 2021, he, along with teammates Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, was suspended for breaching the bio-secure bubble during Sri Lanka’s tour of England. Although that ban was later reduced, it signaled growing concerns over his behavior off the field. This latest doping scandal is the most damaging and may be the final chapter in his international career.
Impact on Sri Lankan Cricket
Dickwella’s ban has raised serious questions about the culture within Sri Lankan cricket. While previous players like Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga have faced doping allegations, Dickwella’s case is unprecedented due to the length of the ban and the nature of the substance. Sri Lanka Cricket has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport, conducting regular anti-doping tests in collaboration with SLADA and the Ministry of Sports.
What’s Next for Dickwella?
With a three-year ban in place, the future looks bleak for the 31-year-old cricketer. While he could technically return to the sport in 2027, the gap may be too long for him to regain his form or a place in the national team. The ban not only ends his current cricket career but also tarnishes his legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s most talented wicketkeepers.
For a player once seen as a rising star, this ban represents a major fall from grace, leaving fans and the cricketing world to wonder whether Niroshan Dickwella can ever recover from this blow.
FAQs
1. What is Niroshan Dickwella’s highest score in Test cricket?
Niroshan Dickwella’s highest score in Test cricket is 96 runs.
2. Why was Niroshan Dickwella banned in 2024?
Dickwella was banned for three years in 2024 after testing positive for cocaine during the Lanka Premier League.
3. What is Niroshan Dickwella’s role in cricket?
Dickwella is a wicket-keeper and left-handed batsman for the Sri Lankan national cricket team.
4. Has Niroshan Dickwella played in the IPL?
As of now, Niroshan Dickwella has not played for any Indian Premier League (IPL) team.
5. What is Niroshan Dickwella’s net worth?
While exact figures are not publicly available, Niroshan Dickwella’s net worth is esti