Niroshan Dickwella Cleared Of Doping Charges As Sri Lanka Board Lifts 3-Year Ban
Niroshan Dickwella's doping ban lifted after appeal [Source: @DanuskaAravinda/X.com]
In a sudden development, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has lifted a three-year suspension imposed on wicket-keeper batter Niroshan Dickwella. The ban was imposed in August this year after the player was found consuming prohibited substances during random testing conducted by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency.
Sri Lanka Cricket has often made headlines for the wrong reasons. From political crossovers to the indiscipline among its players, their sporting record has rarely been spotless. In one such controversy, the board earlier this August banned wicket-keeper Niroshan Dickwella for three years.
Dickwella was barred from playing any form of cricket for three years after prohibited substances were found in his system in an anti-doping test conducted by the board's agency itself.
Niroshan Dickwella gets relief by Sri Lanka Cricket Board
However, in another twist, Niroshan Dickwella appealed against the suspension. His team submitted evidence suggesting that the player was not under the influence of any kind of illegal substance to enhance his performance while playing competitive cricket.
The appeal was held, and the decision was declared in favour of Dickwella. His ban has been revoked and he is free to get selected.
Niroshan Dickwella last played an international game in March 2023. He featured in the first Test against New Zealand but was dropped shortly after.
Sri Lanka tumbles in WTC rankings
Sri Lanka lost a two-game Test series against South Africa, and as a result, their rankings in the World Test Championships table have taken a hit. They have dropped down to fourth position with a 45.45 rating, whereas South Africa topped the table with a 63.33 rating. Meanwhile, India and Australia are in deep trouble. It seems only one of the two cricketing giant nations will be able to qualify for the WTC final. That will be decided following the conclusion of the five-game Test series, which is currently in play.