Beginning on January 9, next year, former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik will be the first player from India to compete in the South African T20 league (SA20). Karthik has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket; nevertheless, he will now play for the Paarl Royals, the sister team of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Karthik, 39, announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League 2024 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but he is making a comeback as one of the SA20 League’s ambassadors. He talked about how happy he was to be back, saying how much he missed South Africa and how excited he was to win the SA20 League with the Royals.
“I couldn’t say no when this opportunity came about because of how special it would be to come back to playing competitive cricket and win this incredible competition with the Royals,” Karthik stated in a release. “I have so many fond memories of playing in and visiting South Africa.”
According to the BCCI, only retired Indian players are eligible for international league competition. In international franchise events, Karthik will compete alongside recent retirees like Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Robin Uthappa.
