Sri Lankan cricketer Niroshan Dickwella’s cocaine scandal continues to raise serious concerns over law enforcement and accountability, as his supplier remains unidentified and unpunished despite his own admission of drug use.
Dickwella, who was initially banned for three years by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for cocaine use, successfully had his ban overturned on appeal after submitting a sworn affidavit. In his testimony, he admitted to using cocaine at a party hosted by his Lanka Premier League (LPL) franchise, Galle Gladiators, at a luxury hotel.
Even more shockingly, Dickwella stated that he had used cocaine along with a few others which included some other dignataries to had patronized the event.
Despite this public confession, Sri Lankan authorities have failed to make a single arrest or track down the cocaine supplier, exposing the glaring inaction in tackling drug-related offenses among elite athletes.
This inaction stands in stark contrast to the current Sri Lankan government’s claims of cracking down on the country’s drug epidemic. The National People’s Party (NPP)-led administration has repeatedly vowed to eliminate narcotics from society, yet the inexcusable failure to investigate and prosecute Dickwella’s supplier raises serious questions about selective justice.
While Dickwella walks free despite a documented drug offense, other cricketers in nations like Australia are facing legal consequences for similar scandals.
MacGill Found Guilty in Cocaine Scandal Amid Cricket’s Growing Drug Crisis
Meanwhile, in Australia, former Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has not been as fortunate. The 54-year-old former leg-spinner was found guilty on Thursday by a Sydney court for his role in a $330,000 cocaine deal, proving that other cricketing nations take drug-related offenses far more seriously.
Although MacGill narrowly avoided a life sentence after being acquitted of a more serious charge related to commercial drug supply, the jury found him guilty of knowingly participating in the transaction.
MacGill’s post-cricket life has been marred by regular cocaine use, and his involvement in the April 2021 drug deal led to his own kidnapping.
According to Sydney district court records, MacGill introduced his regular cocaine dealer, known as “Person A”, to his brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos, which resulted in a high-stakes drug deal. The $330,000 exchange for one kilogram of cocaine seemed to go smoothly until Person A double-crossed Sotiropoulos’ associates, replacing the cocaine with a vacuum-sealed bag of A4 paper concealed by $50 notes before going into hiding.
This fraudulent deal sparked retaliation, leading to MacGill being kidnapped, beaten, and threatened by individuals seeking the missing drugs or money. Six days later, he went to the police, denying any involvement in drug supply but admitting to introducing the two parties.
The prosecution argued that the deal could not have happened without MacGill’s involvement, leading to his conviction. He now faces sentencing in May, which could include jail time.
Cricketers as Role Models: Failing the Next Generation?
The increasing involvement of international cricketers in drug-related offenses is setting a dangerous precedent for young fans who idolize them. Cricket has always been a gentleman’s game, and professional players are expected to uphold values of discipline and integrity.
Instead, scandals like those involving Dickwella and MacGill paint a disturbing picture of substance abuse within the sport. The double standards in justice with MacGill facing legal consequences while Dickwella’s supplier remains at large only reinforce the lack of accountability in some nations compared to others.
With cricket’s global audience largely composed of young and impressionable fans, the need for stronger governance, strict enforcement of drug laws, and zero tolerance toward substance abuse has never been more urgent.
If cricketing authorities fail to act decisively, the sport risks losing its integrity while fostering a culture where players believe they can engage in illegal activities without repercussions. The message must be clear—no cricketer should be above the law.
