Sri Lanka’s Dickwella cleared to play with doping ban lifted after appeal

DUBAI: Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella has been cleared to play again after his three-year suspension for an alleged doping violation was lifted following a successful appeal, the sport’s governing ICC said on Thursday.

Dickwella was suspended after failing a doping test conducted by Sri Lanka’s anti-doping agency during the Lanka Premier League in August. The 31-year-old submitted evidence showing the substance he tested positive for was unrelated to enhancing sports performance and he did not consume any banned substances during the competition period, the International Cricket Council said on its official website.

“Following a successful appeal, Dickwella’s ban was lifted with immediate effect and he has been granted permission to play cricket across all formats,” the ICC added. Dickwella has not represented Sri Lanka since March 2023, when he played his 54th test match, against New Zealand.