Dinesh Karthik Makes History as First Indian in SA20
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| Karthik, 39, retired from all forms of cricket in June 2024 and is now a mentor-cum-batting coach for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. / BCCI |
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik, has signed with the Paarl Royals for the third season of the SA20, making him the first Indian cricketer to participate in the South African league. The announcement came on Tuesday, with the league set to commence on January 9, 2025.
Karthik, aged 39, retired from all forms of cricket in June 2024 and has since taken on the role of mentor-cum-batting coach for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having played 180 matches for India across all three formats, Karthik is eager to return to competitive cricket and contribute to the Royals' success in the SA20.
The SA20, South Africa's premier T20 cricket league, has attracted international talent since its inception. Karthik's addition to the Paarl Royals further strengthens the league's reputation for drawing high-caliber players from around the world.
Karthik shared his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "I have so many fond memories of playing in and visiting South Africa, and when this opportunity came about, I couldn't say no because of how special it would be to come back to playing competitive cricket and win this incredible competition with the Royals."
The SA20 is set to begin in January 2025, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are looking forward to witnessing Dinesh Karthik's return to competitive cricket.
— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) August 6, 2024
From India to South Africa, this legend is signed and his flight is booked! ✈️💗 pic.twitter.com/EUvfgNrUP2
— Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) August 6, 2024
