Dinesh Karthik Becomes First Indian Cricketer to Play in SA20, Set to Represent Paarl Royals

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to feature in the upcoming edition of the SA20, starting January 9. Thus, he will become the first-ever cricketer from India to take part in the South African T20 league which is now 2 seasons old.

Karthik will join Paarl Royals as an overseas player ahead of the new season. It will be his first tournament since announcing his retirement from Indian cricket earlier this year, during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He last featured for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator after which the franchise signed him up as a mentor-cum-batting coach.

The franchise on Monday shared a video on X, welcoming the former Indian cricketer on board.

The SA20 has also announced Karthik as the league ambassador. He will be working closely with fellow ambassador AB de Villiers and the management team to help strengthen the League’s global fan base and reinforce brand awareness across key strategic markets in India and the United Kingdom.

“I’m thrilled to join the Betway SA20 as an ambassador. The League has been electric in the first two seasons with some of the world’s best players on show and exciting young talent putting up their hands on the global stage.  It’s a privilege to be associated with the Betway SA20 and I look forward to working with Graeme and his team,” Karthik had said.

He has represented six teams during his 16-year IPL career. During this period, Karthik has amassed 4842 runs at an average of 26.32 and strike rate of 135.66. He has also taken 145 catches behind the wicket and completed 37 stumpings.

As per the BCCI norms, only retired Indian players are allowed to participate in overseas T20 leagues. Ambati Rayudu played for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL last year. The likes of Robin Uthapp and Yusuf Pathan turned up for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Suresh Raina was part of Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 in 2022.

Paarl Royals Squad for SA20 2025 (As per the report)

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 (traded in).