The former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik becomes the first Indian player to feature in the SA20 league as he will join Paarl Royals as an overseas player ahead of the upcoming season.
The 39-year-old batter who announced his retirement in Indian Cricket after the end of IPL 2024, is set to make a significant milestone in his career. Dinesh has done remarkable things throughout his journey in cricket. He has played over 401 T20 matches showing his adaptability and consistency across various formats and leagues.
He has vast experience in short format making him a valuable asset for any team he joins. Currently involved in the Hundred, he has played in Kolkata Knight Riders, Karthik also was among the fittest players in the IPL, having missed just two matches across 17 seasons.
BCCI has allowed only retired Indian players are allowed by BCCI to participate in overseas T20 leagues. Last year, Ambati Rayudu joined St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL while Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan featured for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.
Two years ago, Suresh Rain was part of Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10. Paarl Royal announced their retentions, with captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, and Andile Phehlukwayo cutting into the Paarl Royals Squad.
Royals made the qualifiers in the last SA20 edition but suffered five straight losses, including a nine-wicket thumping in the Eliminator against Joburg Super Kings.
Paarl Royal Squad: 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
