It’s Dickwella again!, when will national cricketers plunging into controversies end?
This week’s suspension of Niroshan Dickwella from all forms of cricket for an alleged anti-doping violation due to a dangerous drug is not just another scandal. It is a glaring reminder of a troubling trend within Sri Lankan cricket—the steady erosion of discipline and integrity.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stringent guidelines and enforcement mechanisms to curb the growing indiscipline that threatens the very fabric of the sport.
Dickwella, a left-handed wicket-keeper batter, was suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after testing positive for cocaine—a banned narcotic—following tests conducted by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) during the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024. The implications of this revelation are grave, casting a long shadow over the cricketer’s career and raising serious concerns about the state of Sri Lankan cricket.
“The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice,” stated an SLC media release, reflecting the severity of the situation.
The release elaborated, “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.”
The impact of this suspension could be career-defining for Dickwella, who now faces a lengthy four-year ban from all forms of sports if found guilty. Moreover, he could also face criminal charges, as the use of narcotics is strictly prohibited in Sri Lanka. A disciplinary hearing is scheduled for August 23, which will determine the course of action to be taken against him.
This incident is not an isolated one but rather a continuation of a series of troubling events that have plagued Sri Lankan cricket in recent years. The sport, once revered for its discipline and sportsmanship, has seen a decline in ethical conduct, with several players embroiled in controversies that tarnish their reputations and the image of cricket in the country.
Dickwella himself is no stranger to controversy. He was previously suspended along with Danushka Gunathilake and Kusal Mendis for violating COVID-19 protocols during Sri Lanka’s tour of England three years ago. That incident, which led to a one-year ban from all forms of the game to all three players (it was later reduced to six months following appeals from the players), was expected to serve as a wake-up call for the cricketer. However, his continued involvement in controversies suggests otherwise. Despite his education at the prestigious school that produced legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Dickwella has struggled to uphold the standards expected of a professional cricketer.
Other players have also been at the centre of significant scandals. Danushka Gunathilaka faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct, while Praveen Jayawickrema was embroiled in match-fixing allegations. Although Gunathilaka was eventually cleared after a year-long legal battle, the damage to his and the sport’s reputation was irreparable. Jayawickrema remains suspended pending an investigation by the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s anti-corruption unit, adding to the growing list of disciplinary issues within Sri Lankan cricket.
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) itself has not been immune to controversy, with the latest edition marred by allegations of corruption. These incidents collectively paint a bleak picture of a cricketing system grappling with entrenched issues.