Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to create history by becoming the first Indian player to feature in the SA20 league after signing up with the Paarl Royals ahead of the 2025 edition of the tournament. Karthik’s inclusion in the league is a pioneering move, breaking the traditional boundaries set by the BCCI, which typically restricts active Indian players from participating in overseas T20 leagues.
Just a day prior to the announcement of his signing, Karthik was appointed as the league ambassador alongside former South African great AB de Villiers. This appointment demonstrates the faith and respect that the league organizers have in his leadership and experience. The timing of Karthik’s signing is strategic, as the Paarl Royals have opted to part ways with Jos Buttler, given that the 2025 SA20 season clashes with England’s white-ball series against India scheduled for January.
Karthik, who recently retired from all forms of Indian cricket following the 2024 IPL season where he played his final game for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), will be joining another seasoned cricketer, Joe Root, as the Royals’ overseas acquisitions for the season. At present, Karthik is involved in commentary duties for The Hundred in England, showcasing his versatility in cricket-related roles. From the IPL 2025 onward, he will also take on the responsibilities of batting coach and mentor for the RCB. This multifaceted engagement highlights his capability to juggle varied roles within the sport effectively.
The Paarl Royals are expected to benefit immensely from Karthik’s extensive experience and tactical acumen, not only as a reliable finisher but also for his profound understanding of the game acquired from over 400 T20 matches. Throughout his 17 editions in the IPL, Karthik played for six different franchises, including multiple stints with RCB, and even led the Kolkata Knight Riders for a couple of seasons. His rich and diverse career offers invaluable insights that the Royals hope to capitalize on.
Reflecting on his upcoming stint in South Africa, Karthik shared, “I have so many fond memories of playing in and visiting South Africa. When this opportunity came about, I couldn’t say no because of how special it would be to return to competitive cricket and aim to win this incredible competition with the Royals.
. Even though I didn’t have the chance to represent the Royals in the IPL, I was always attracted to their franchise setup and environment. I am delighted to be joining the Paarl Royals team which oozes a lot of experience, quality, and potential. I am certainly looking forward to joining the group and contributing to what should be an exciting season.”
The move also sheds light on the broader scenario for retired Indian cricketers seeking opportunities abroad. The BCCI’s policy does not allow active Indian players to participate in foreign leagues, hence players can only explore such endeavors post-retirement. This policy saw precedent with several former Indian players making similar moves. Ambati Rayudu, for example, played for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League and subsequently for MI Emirates in the ILT20. Others like Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan played in the inaugural edition of the ILT20 for the Dubai Capitals, while Suresh Raina featured for the Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 League two years ago.
The Paarl Royals, with their pre-auction squad for the 2025 season already taking shape, appear poised for a balanced team composition. Their squad includes notable figures such as David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, and Andile Phehlukwayo among others. The overseas inclusion of Dinesh Karthik and Joe Root adds an enviable blend of experience and skill to the team’s roster. Here is a glimpse of the current squad:
Paarl Royals pre-auction squad for SA20 2025: David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dinesh Karthik, Joe Root, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Dayyaan Galiem (traded).
With these seasoned players on board, the Paarl Royals are set for what promises to be an exhilarating 2025 SA20 season. Karthik’s inclusion heralds a new chapter for the team and for Indian cricketers venturing into international leagues, paving the way for future collaborations and exchanges in the cricketing world.
