Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to participate in the upcoming season of the SA20, which begins on January 9, 2025. This move makes Karthik the first-ever Indian cricketer to play in the South African T20 league, now entering its second season.
Karthik will join the Paarl Royals as an overseas player, marking his first tournament appearance since retiring from Indian cricket earlier this year during the IPL 2024. He last played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator, after which the franchise signed him as a mentor-cum-batting coach.
In addition to playing, Dinesh Karthik has also been named an ambassador for the SA20 league. He will work closely with fellow ambassador AB de Villiers and the league’s management team to help expand the league’s global fan base, particularly in India and the United Kingdom.
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I’m excited to take on the role of ambassador for the Betway SA20. The league has been electric in the first two seasons, with some of the world’s best players and exciting young talent showcasing their skills on the global stage. It’s a privilege to be associated with Betway SA20, and I look forward to working with Graeme and his team,” Dinesh Karthik said.
During his 16-year IPL career, Karthik represented six different teams, scoring 4,842 runs at an average of 26.32 and a strike rate of 135.66. He also took 145 catches and made 37 stumpings as a wicketkeeper.
According to BCCI rules, 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, while Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan appeared for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Suresh Raina also participated in the Abu Dhabi T10 with the Deccan Gladiators in 2022.
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