Niroshan Dickwella

{{Infobox cricketer

|name = Niroshan Dickwella

|image =

|country = Sri Lanka

|fullname = Dickwella Patabendige Dilantha Niroshan Dickwella

|nickname = Dick sulaga

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1993|6|23|df=yes}}

|birth_place = Kandy, Sri Lanka

|batting = Left-handed

|role = Wicket-keeper-batter

|hidedeliveries = true

|international = true

|internationalspan = 2014–present

|testdebutdate = 24 July

|testdebutyear = 2014

|testdebutagainst = South Africa

|testcap = 127

|lasttestdate = 9 March

|lasttestyear = 2023

|lasttestagainst = New Zealand

|odidebutdate = 16 November

|odidebutyear = 2014

|odidebutagainst = India

|odicap = 161

|lastodidate = 21 June

|lastodiyear = 2022

|lastodiagainst = Australia

|T20Idebutdate = 9 February

|T20Idebutyear = 2016

|T20Idebutagainst = India

|T20Icap = 61

|lastT20Idate = 26 June

|lastT20Iyear = 2021

|lastT20Iagainst = England

|club1 = Nondescripts Cricket Club

|year1 = 2012–present

|club2 = Dambulla Viiking

|year2 = 2020

|club3 = Galle Marvels

|year3 = 2024

|columns = 4

|column1 = Test

|matches1 = 54

|runs1 = 2,757

|bat avg1 = 30.97

|100s/50s1 = 0/22

|top score1 = 96

|catches/stumpings1 = 134/27

|column2 = ODI

|matches2 = 55

|runs2 = 1,604

|bat avg2 = 31.45

|100s/50s2 = 2/9

|top score2 = 116

|catches/stumpings2 = 41/11

|column3 = T20I

|matches3 = 28

|runs3 = 480

|bat avg3 = 18.46

|100s/50s3 = 0/1

|top score3 = 68

|catches/stumpings3 = 12/1

| column4 = FC

| matches4 = 143

| runs4 = 8,430

| bat avg4 = 35.87

| 100s/50s4 = 16/48

| top score4 = 209

| catches/stumpings4 = 333/78

|date = 11 March 2025

|source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/429754.html Cricinfo

}}

Dickwella Patabendige Dilantha Niroshan Dickwella, known as Niroshan Dickwella (born 23 June 1993), is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer, who plays all formats of the game for Sri Lanka. A left-hand batsman, he also plays as a wicket-keeper of the team. Dickwella is known for hitting left handed Dilscoops.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/plays-of-the-day-when-dickwella-played-the-dilscoop-1068052|title=When Dickwella played the 'Dilscoop'|last=Kishore|first=Shashank|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=23 November 2016|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126020846/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/plays-of-the-day-when-dickwella-played-the-dilscoop-1068052|url-status=live}} In November 2017, he was named the emerging cricketer of the year for the 2016–17 season at Sri Lanka Cricket's annual awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/asela-gunaratne-wins-big-at-slc-s-annual-awards-1125203|title=Gunaratne wins big at SLC's annual awards|last=Balasuriya|first=Madushka|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=1 November 2017|access-date=26 November 2022}}

On 16 August 2024, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced in a media release that Dickwella has been suspended from all forms of cricket due to an alleged anti-doping rule violation. The suspension was to be effective until further notice. Following the conclusion of the disciplinary inquiry, he was subsequently banned from all forms of cricket for a period of three years, effective from 13 August 2024. On 11 December 2024, Dickwella's three-year ban was reduced to three months following a decision by an appeal panel. As a result, he became eligible to participate in all forms of cricket with immediate effect.

Education and early life

Dickwella completed his primary education at Trinity College, Kandy, Sri Lanka.{{cite web|url=https://archives1.dailynews.lk/2019/07/24/sports/191986/niroshan-dickwella-wins-title-trinity-2012 |title=Niroshan Dickwella wins title for Trinity in 2012 |publisher=Daily News |last=Weerawansa |first=Dinesh |date=24 July 2019 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817152549/https://archives1.dailynews.lk/2019/07/24/sports/191986/niroshan-dickwella-wins-title-trinity-2012 |url-status=live}}

He captained the Trinity College 1st XI cricket team at the under-19 level during the 2011-12 Sri Lankan schools cricket season. Under his leadership, Trinity achieved an unprecedented triple crown, winning the two-day league tournament, the one-day knockout tournament, and the T20 championship. This included an impressive 14 outright victories in the two-day league, culminating in a historic Big Match triumph over St. Anthony's College, in the Trinity–Antonian Cricket Encounter, after a 26-year drought.{{cite web|url=https://www.thepapare.com/niroshan-dickwella-100th-battle-of-the-blues-feature-dfcc/ |title=Trinity’s most successful cricket captain |publisher=ThePapare |last=Peiris |first=Sudarshana |date=7 March 2017 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153901/https://www.thepapare.com/niroshan-dickwella-100th-battle-of-the-blues-feature-dfcc/ |url-status=live}}

Dickwella was named the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 2012.

Domestic and T20 franchise career

In March 2018, he was named as the vice-captain of Kandy's squad for the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.timesonline.lk/news/cricket-mixed-opinions-on-provincial-tournament/18-1041112|title=Cricket: Mixed opinions on Provincial tournament|work=Sunday Times|date=26 March 2018|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151456/https://sundaytimes.lk/online/news/cricket-mixed-opinions-on-provincial-tournament/18-1041112|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://dailysports.lk/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-sl-super-provincial-tournament/|title=All you need to know about the SL Super Provincial Tournament|publisher=Daily Sports|date=26 March 2018|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327213128/https://dailysports.lk/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-sl-super-provincial-tournament/|archive-date=27 March 2018|url-status=dead}} He was the leading run-scorer for Kandy during the tournament, with 315 runs in three matches.{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=12303;team=6181;type=tournament|title=Sri Lanka Super Four Provincial Tournament, 2017/18, Kandy: Batting and bowling averages|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 November 2022}} The following month, he was also named as the vice-captain of Kandy's squad for the 2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.thepapare.com/slc-super-provincial-50-tournament-squads-fixtures/|last=Weerasinghe|first=Damith|title=SLC Super Provincial 50 over tournament squads and fixtures|work=The Papare|date=24 April 2018|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124022409/https://www.thepapare.com/slc-super-provincial-50-tournament-squads-fixtures/|url-status=live}}

In August 2018, he was named in Galle's squad the 2018 SLC T20 League.{{cite news|url=https://www.thepapare.com/slc-t20-league-2018-squads-finalized/|last=Weerasinghe|first=Damith|title=SLC T20 League 2018 squads finalized|work=The Papare|date=16 August 2018|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=24 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124022412/https://www.thepapare.com/slc-t20-league-2018-squads-finalized/|url-status=live}} In March 2019, he was named in Dambulla's squad for the 2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament.{{cite news|url=https://www.thepapare.com/squads-fixtures-announced-for-slc-provincial-50-overs-tournament-2019/|last=Weerasinghe|first=Damith|title=Squads, Fixtures announced for SLC Provincial 50 Overs Tournament|work=The Papare|date=19 March 2019|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151441/https://www.thepapare.com/squads-fixtures-announced-for-slc-provincial-50-overs-tournament-2019/|url-status=live}}

In June 2019, he was selected to play for the Montreal Tigers franchise team in the 2019 Global T20 Canada tournament.{{cite web|url=https://www.canadacricket.com/?p=12755|title=Global T20 draft streamed live|work=Canada Cricket Online|date=20 June 2019|access-date=25 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126020901/https://www.canadacricket.com/?p=12755|url-status=live}} In October 2020, he was drafted by the Dambulla Viiking for the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30148161/lanka-premier-league-2020-chris-gayle-andre-russell-shahid-afridi-big-names-taken-lpl-draft|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|title=Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Shahid Afridi among big names taken at LPL draft|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=19 October 2020|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021184301/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30148161/lanka-premier-league-2020-chris-gayle-andre-russell-shahid-afridi-big-names-taken-lpl-draft|url-status=live}} In November 2021, he was selected to play for the Dambulla Giants following the players' draft for the 2021 Lanka Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kusal-perera-angelo-mathews-miss-out-on-lpl-drafts-1288554|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|title=Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews miss out on LPL drafts|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=10 November 2021|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=10 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110090948/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kusal-perera-angelo-mathews-miss-out-on-lpl-drafts-1288554|url-status=live}} In July 2022, he was signed by the Colombo Stars for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/lpl-2022-draft-kandy-falcons-sign-wanindu-hasaranga-bhanuka-rajapaksa-to-turn-out-for-dambulla-giants-1323338|last=Balasuriya|first=Madushka|title=LPL 2022 draft: Kandy Falcons sign Hasaranga; Rajapaksa to turn out for Dambulla Giants|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=6 July 2022|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=6 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706075454/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/lpl-2022-draft-kandy-falcons-sign-wanindu-hasaranga-bhanuka-rajapaksa-to-turn-out-for-dambulla-giants-1323338|url-status=live}}

International career

He made his Test cricket debut for Sri Lanka against South Africa in July 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-tour-of-sri-lanka-2014-730067/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-730091/full-scorecard|title=South Africa tour of Sri Lanka, 2nd Test: Sri Lanka v South Africa at Colombo (SSC), Jul 24-28 2014|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126020900/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-tour-of-sri-lanka-2014-730067/sri-lanka-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-730091/full-scorecard|url-status=live}} He made his One Day International debut for Sri Lanka against India on 16 November 2014.{{cite web|date=16 November 2014|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-india-2014-15-790869/india-vs-sri-lanka-5th-odi-792297/full-scorecard|title=Sri Lanka tour of India, 5th ODI: India v Sri Lanka at Ranchi, Nov 16, 2014|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 November 2022}} He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Sri Lanka against India on 9 February 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-india-and-bangladesh-2015-16-954159/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-t20i-963697/full-scorecard|title=Sri Lanka tour of India and Bangladesh, 1st T20I: India v Sri Lanka at Pune, Feb 9, 2016|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=9 February 2016|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126022359/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-india-and-bangladesh-2015-16-954159/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-t20i-963697/full-scorecard|url-status=live}}

Dickwella was originally included into 2016 ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka squad, but due to poor performances in India tour and 2016 Asia Cup, he was dropped from the world cup squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/lasith-malinga-steps-down-as-captain-angelo-mathews-to-lead-in-world-t20-979247|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|title=Malinga steps down as captain, Mathews to lead in World T20|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=8 March 2016|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126020856/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/lasith-malinga-steps-down-as-captain-angelo-mathews-to-lead-in-world-t20-979247|url-status=live}}

Dickwella was called up for the South African limited over tour after fine performances in domestic tournaments. He was included in the T20I side as the opening batsman and scored quick innings in all three matches. He scored his maiden T20I fifty as a match-winning knock in the third match, which ensured the first series win against South Africa on their home soil in any format.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-south-africa-2016-17-936119/south-africa-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-t20i-936157/match-report|last=Moonda|first=Firdose|title=Prasanna hauls Sri Lanka to series victory|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=25 January 2017|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126020856/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-south-africa-2016-17-936119/south-africa-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-t20i-936157/match-report|url-status=live}} Dickwella was adjudged both man of the match and player of the series for his match-winning batting performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/317560|title=Dickwella, Prasanna take Sri Lanka to series win|date=26 January 2017|work=International Cricket Council|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126020901/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/317560|url-status=live}}

After the ban, he looked forward to coming back to the squad for second ODI against Bangladesh in late March 2017. However, he was ruled out of the series due to hairline fracture in his left hand.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/niroshan-dickwella-out-of-series-with-hairline-fracture-1088812|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|title=Dickwella out of series with hairline fracture|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=27 March 2017|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126020856/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/niroshan-dickwella-out-of-series-with-hairline-fracture-1088812|url-status=live}}

He scored his first ODI century on 6 July 2017 against Zimbabwe at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. Along with Danushka Gunathilaka, they made a 229-run partnership for the first wicket, where Gunathilaka also scored his first ODI century. Sri Lanka chased 310 to win the match, which was the first 300-plus chase by Sri Lanka on home soil.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sl-v-zim-2017-1104471/sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-3rd-odi-1104480/match-report|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|title=Gunathilaka, Dickwella thrash Zimbabwe|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=6 July 2017|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=26 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126022359/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sl-v-zim-2017-1104471/sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-3rd-odi-1104480/match-report|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/95639/sri-lanka-rack-up-series-lead-in-their-highest-odi-chase-at-home|title=Sri Lanka rack up series lead in their highest ODI chase at home|publisher=Cricbuzz|date=6 July 2017|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151443/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/95639/sri-lanka-rack-up-series-lead-in-their-highest-odi-chase-at-home|url-status=live}} In the fourth ODI against Zimbabwe, he and Danushka Gunathilaka set the record for becoming the first pair of batsmen to score two successive 200-plus partnerships in ODIs.{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sl-v-zim-2017-1104471/sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-4th-odi-1104481/match-report|title=Calm Ervine helps Zimbabwe draw level|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=8 July 2017|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151445/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sl-v-zim-2017-1104471/sri-lanka-vs-zimbabwe-4th-odi-1104481/match-report|url-status=live}}

In May 2018, he was one of 33 cricketers to be awarded a national contract by Sri Lanka Cricket ahead of the 2018–19 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/692671|title=Sri Lanka assign 33 national contracts with pay hike|work=International Cricket Council|date=22 May 2018|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523011143/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/692671|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23570424/sri-lankan-players-receive-pay-hike|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|title=Sri Lankan players to receive pay hike|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=22 May 2018|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523012704/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23570424/sri-lankan-players-receive-pay-hike|url-status=live}} In March 2021, during the first Test against the West Indies, he set a new record for scoring the most half centuries by a batsman (17) in Test cricket without scoring a century, passing the previous record held by Chetan Chauhan.{{cite web|date=24 March 2021|title=Dickwella misses yet another hundred, secures new record|url=https://www.newswire.lk/2021/03/25/dickwella-misses-yet-another-hundred-secures-new-record/|access-date=26 November 2022|website=NewsWire}}

In June 2022, he was named in the Sri Lanka A squad for their matches against Australia A during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka.{{cite web|url=https://www.thepapare.com/dhananjaya-de-silva-to-lead-15-member-sri-lanka-a-squad/|title=Sri Lanka 'A' squads announced for Australia 'A' games|work=The Papare|date=8 June 2022|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151446/https://www.thepapare.com/dhananjaya-de-silva-to-lead-15-member-sri-lanka-a-squad/|url-status=live}} In the Australian Test series in July 2022, Sri Lanka suffered a huge defeat, with the match ending in three days.{{cite web|title=Dimuth Karunaratne hopes 'big first-innings score' can 'build pressure' on Australia|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-aus-2nd-test-2022-dimuth-karunaratne-hopes-big-first-innings-score-can-build-pressure-on-australia-1323521|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=29 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129214340/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-aus-2nd-test-2022-dimuth-karunaratne-hopes-big-first-innings-score-can-build-pressure-on-australia-1323521|url-status=live}} In the match, Dickwella was the only Sri Lankan player to score a fifty, scoring 58 runs in the first innings.{{cite web|title=Another mad Dickwella day|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-aus-1st-test-galle-2022-another-mad-niroshan-dickwella-day-1322287|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=29 June 2022|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151445/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sl-vs-aus-1st-test-galle-2022-another-mad-niroshan-dickwella-day-1322287|url-status=live}}

Disciplinary issues

In July 2014, on his Test debut, he was fined 10% of the match fees for claiming unfair catch.{{cite web|title=Dickwella fined for claiming unfair catch|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dickwella-fined-for-claiming-unfair-catch-764513|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=27 July 2014|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=7 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207111539/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dickwella-fined-for-claiming-unfair-catch-764513|url-status=live}}

During the fourth ODI against South Africa on 7 February 2017, Dickwella had a verbal encounter with Kagiso Rabada and was fined, along with gaining three demerit points.{{Cite web|title=Dickwella and Rabada found guilty of breaching ICC Code of Conduct|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/327697#:~:text=Sri%20Lanka%20opener%20Niroshan%20Dickwella,to%20have%20breached%20Article%202.2.|date=8 February 2017|access-date=26 November 2022|website=www.icc-cricket.com|archive-date=15 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815050904/https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/327697#:~:text=Sri%20Lanka%20opener%20Niroshan%20Dickwella,to%20have%20breached%20Article%202.2.|url-status=live}} On 21 February 2017, Dickwella was suspended for two limited over matches, after a Code of Conduct breach during the second T20I against Australia at Kardinia Park. He was fined 30% of his match fees and was given two more demerit points.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/niroshan-dickwella-suspended-over-showing-dissent-1083601|title=Dickwella suspended over showing dissent|date=21 January 2017|work=International Cricket Council|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151447/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/niroshan-dickwella-suspended-over-showing-dissent-1083601|url-status=live}}

In July 2017, Dickwella was fined 30 percent of his match fee and received two demerit points for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. during the ODI against Zimbabwe.{{cite web|title=Live Cricket Scores & News International Cricket Council|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/425250|date=1 July 2021|website=www.icc-cricket.com|access-date=26 November 2022}}

On 28 June 2021, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) suspended Dickwella, Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka after they breached the team's bio-secure bubble during Sri Lanka's tour of England.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-kusal-mendis-and-niroshan-dickwella-to-be-investigated-after-alleged-bio-bubble-breach-in-england-1268125|title=Bio-bubble breach: Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella suspended|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=28 June 2021|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151442/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-kusal-mendis-and-niroshan-dickwella-to-be-investigated-after-alleged-bio-bubble-breach-in-england-1268125|url-status=live}} All three players were seen in the city centre of Durham,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57637591|title=Sri Lanka v England: Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella sent home from tour|work=BBC Sport|date=28 June 2021|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628112104/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/57637591|url-status=live}} with SLC sending them all back home ahead of the ODI matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/117964/kusal-mendis-niroshan-dickwella-avishka-gunathilaka-to-be-sent-home-for-bubble-breach-in-uk|title=Mendis, Dickwella, Gunathilaka to be sent home for bubble breach in UK|work=CricBuzz|date=28 June 2021|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405030548/https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/117964/kusal-mendis-niroshan-dickwella-avishka-gunathilaka-to-be-sent-home-for-bubble-breach-in-uk|url-status=live}} In July 2021, following the outcome of the incident, Dickwella was suspended from playing in international cricket for one year.{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/durham-bubble-breach-gunathilaka-mendis-dickwella-suspended-from-international-cricket-for-one-year-1271551|title=Durham bubble breach: Gunathilaka, Mendis and Dickwella suspended from international cricket for one year|last=Fernando|first=Andrew Fidel|website=ESPNcricinfo|publisher=ESPN Inc.|date=30 July 2021|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151941/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/durham-bubble-breach-gunathilaka-mendis-dickwella-suspended-from-international-cricket-for-one-year-1271551|url-status=live}} Sri Lanka Cricket agreed to lift the ban early, rescinding the punishment in January 2022.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/international/sri_lanka_cricket_bring_three_players_year_long_bans_early_end.html|last=Morsehead|first=Sam|title=Sri Lanka Cricket bring three players' year-long bans to early end|magazine=The Cricketer|date=7 January 2022|access-date=7 January 2022|archive-date=7 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107142207/https://www.thecricketer.com/Topics/international/sri_lanka_cricket_bring_three_players_year_long_bans_early_end.html|url-status=live}}

Anti-doping rule violation

On 16 August 2024, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced in a media release that Dickwella has been suspended from all forms of cricket due to an alleged anti-doping rule violation during the Lanka Premier League 2024. The tests were conducted by the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines. The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.{{cite web|url=https://srilankacricket.lk/2024/08/sri-lanka-cricket-suspends-niroshan-dickwella-following-alleged-anti-doping-violation/ |title=Sri Lanka Cricket Suspends Niroshan Dickwella Following Alleged Anti-Doping Violation |publisher=Sri Lanka Cricket |date=16 August 2024 |accessdate=17 August 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817050949/https://srilankacricket.lk/2024/08/sri-lanka-cricket-suspends-niroshan-dickwella-following-alleged-anti-doping-violation/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news/101291/-niroshan-dickwella-suspended-from-all-forms-of-cricket |title=Niroshan Dickwella suspended from all forms of cricket |publisher=Ada Derana |date=16 August 2024 |accessdate=29 September 2024 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929080126/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=101291 |url-status=live}}

Dickwella appeared before a disciplinary committee on 23 August 2024, and agreed to submit a written statement within a week. He accepted the A-sample test results and chose not to request B-sample testing.{{cite web|url=https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240825/sports/niroshan-dickwella-admits-to-doping-charges-568712.html |title=Niroshan Dickwella admits to doping charges |publisher=The Sunday Times |date=25 August 2024 |accessdate=25 August 2024 |archive-date=25 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240825115149/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240825/sports/niroshan-dickwella-admits-to-doping-charges-568712.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.antidopingsingapore.gov.sg/what-happen-to-your-sample/ |title=What Happen To Your Sample? |publisher=Anti-doping Singapore |date= |accessdate=25 August 2024 |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420215207/https://www.antidopingsingapore.gov.sg/what-happen-to-your-sample/ |url-status=live}}

On 29 September 2024, it was reported that Dickwella had been banned from all forms of cricket for three years, effective from 13 August 2024. This followed his provisional suspension in August 2024 and the subsequent disciplinary inquiry, where he admitted to using cocaine, a prohibited substance. He is the first national cricketer to receive a three-year ban from all forms of the game for failing a drug test.{{cite web|url=https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240929/sports/sunset-for-dickwella-after-three-year-ban-572787.html |title=Sunset for Dickwella after three-year ban? |publisher=The Sunday Times |date=29 September 2024 |accessdate=29 September 2024 |archive-date=29 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929073025/https://www.sundaytimes.lk/240929/sports/sunset-for-dickwella-after-three-year-ban-572787.html |url-status=live}}

On 11 December 2024, it was reported that Dickwella's three-year ban from all forms of cricket, effective from 13 August 2024, had been reduced to three months following a decision by an appeal panel. As a result, he became eligible to participate in all forms of cricket with immediate effect.{{cite web|url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=104162 |title=Niroshan Dickwella’s ban reduced, eligible to play cricket again |publisher=Ada Derana |date=11 December 2024 |accessdate=11 December 2024 |archive-date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211135443/https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=104162 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Niroshan-Dickwellas-3-year-ban-reduced-to-3-months-following-appeal/108-297878 |title=Niroshan Dickwella’s 3 year ban reduced to 3 months following appeal |publisher=Daily Mirror |last=Balasuriya |first=Darshana Sanjeewa |date=11 December 2024 |accessdate=11 December 2024 |archive-date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211135529/https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Niroshan-Dickwellas-3-year-ban-reduced-to-3-months-following-appeal/108-297878 |url-status=live}}

Accolades

Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2012{{cite web|url=https://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2021/04/25/supplement/niroshan-dickwella-winner-2012|title=Niroshan Dickwella - The Winner of 2012|date=25 April 2021|work=Sunday Observer|access-date=26 November 2022}}
Dialog SLC Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2016–17.{{cite web|url=https://www.thepapare.com/herath-gunaratne-triumph-dialog-cricket-awards-2017/|title=Herath and Gunaratne triumph Dialog Cricket Awards 2017|work=The Papare|date=1 November 2017|access-date=26 November 2022|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921151944/https://www.thepapare.com/herath-gunaratne-triumph-dialog-cricket-awards-2017/|url-status=live}}