(PTI Photo)
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to participate in the upcoming edition of the SA20, beginning January 9. This will make him the first Indian cricketer to compete in the South African T20 league, which is now in its second season.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, Karthik will join the Paarl Royals as an overseas player for the new season. This will be his first tournament since he announced his retirement from Indian cricket earlier this year during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Karthik’s last appearance was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator, after which he was signed by the franchise as a mentor and batting coach.
The SA20 has appointed Dinesh Karthik as one of its league ambassadors. In this role, he will collaborate with fellow ambassador AB de Villiers and the management team to enhance the league’s global fan base and boost brand visibility in key markets such as 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.
Throughout his 16-year IPL career, he has played for six different teams. During this time, Karthik has accumulated 4,842 runs at an average of 26.32 and a strike rate of 135.66. He has also recorded 145 catches and 37 stumpings as a wicketkeeper.
According to BCCI regulations, only retired Indian players are permitted to compete in overseas T20 leagues. For example, Ambati Rayudu played for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL last year, while Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan featured for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Suresh Raina was with the Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 in 2022.
