Sri Lanka’s keeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, who was handed a three-year ban from all forms of cricket over anti-doping allegations, has been cleared to return to the sport.
The suspension, issued in August 2024 by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA), followed a positive test for a prohibited substance during a random doping test.
Dickwella successfully appealed the decision, presenting evidence that he had not consumed any prohibited substances during the “competition period” and that the detected substance was not performance-enhancing. Following the appeal, his ban was lifted.
Dickwella last represented Sri Lanka in March 2023, playing in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch. Over his international career, he has appeared in 54 Tests, 55 ODIs, and 28 T20Is, amassing 4,841 runs.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is gearing up for a white-ball series against New Zealand, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series kicks off at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, with matches on December 28 and 30, followed by the final game at the Saxton Oval, Nelson, on January 2.
The ODI series will take place in Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland on January 5, 8, and 11, respectively.
Both teams aim to deliver strong performances in this series as they build momentum for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.