Niroshan Dickwella’s 3 year ban reduced to 3 months following appeal

Colombo, Dec 11 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella’s three-year ban for an alleged anti-doping violation has been reduced to three months following an appeal.

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter had originally been handed a three-year suspension after testing positive for cocaine during a doping test conducted by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) on 14 July.

The positive result was linked to the Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 tournament, where Dickwella's team lost to Jaffna Kings in the final. The LPL took place from July 1-21.

Following the positive test, Dickwella was suspended from all forms of cricket by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and his domestic club, Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC). 

However, an appeal panel, led by retired judge Upali Samaraweera and including members Prof. Asela Mendis and Gimhana Jagodaarachchi, determined that the substance Dickwella consumed was unrelated to his sporting performance and was taken out-of-competition.

As a result, the appeal panel recommended reducing Dickwella's three-year suspension to just three months, effective from July 13, 2024. 

Accordingly, Dickwella, who had been suspended from participating in all forms of cricket, is now eligible to resume playing immediately.

Subhani Mallawaarachchi, along with Senior Counsel Panduka Keerthinanda, appeared for the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, while Attorney-at-Laws Suminda Perera and Ranil Premathilaka represented Niroshan Dickwella.