SA20 2025: Dinesh Karthik to play for Paarl Royals, to become first Indian to feature in the league

Dinesh Karthik. (Photo source: X(Twitter)

Dinesh Karthik, who announced his retirement from Indian cricket on June 1, the day he turned 39, is all set to take the field after being roped in by Paarl Royals for SA20 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter was recently announced as one of the league’s ambassadors alongside AB de Villiers. Now, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain is in line to become the first Indian player to ply his trade in SA20 history.

Karthik, who played 180 internationals for India, last featured in IPL 2024 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have now signed him up as a mentor-cum-batting coach. The Tamil Nadu cricketer has the experience of playing 257 Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and a total of 401 T20s. Karthik has ventured into commentary and is currently calling the games in The Hundred 2024 for Sky Sports. During his IPL career, the Chennai-born missed just two games across 17 seasons as his fitness was of the highest standard.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Karthik will join Paarl Royals as an overseas player ahead of the third season of SA20, beginning January 9.

Also Read: SA20 announce Dinesh Karthik as league ambassador ahead of third season

The BCCI only allows retired Indian players to participate in franchise T20 leagues around the world. Last year, Ambati Rayudu turned up to play for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), while Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan competed in the ILT20 for Dubai Capitals. Suresh Raina was part of Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 a couple of years ago.

Last week, Paarl Royals announced their retentions ahead of the impending season, with captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo making the cut. Royals made the Qualifiers in the last SA20 edition but suffered five straight losses, including a nine-wicket thumping in the Eliminator against Joburg Super Kings. They are the sister franchise of inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals.

Also Read: Joburg Super Kings, Durban Super Giants, Paarl Royals announce retentions for SA20 2025

Paarl Royals squad: David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dinesh Karthik, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dayyaan Galiem