SA20 2024: Former RCB Wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik Signs Up With Paarl Royals

Former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik has come out of retirement to join the Paarl Royals for the upcoming SA20 League, becoming the first Indian to play in the South Africa-based franchise league.

New Delhi: Former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik has come out of retirement from professional cricket to join the Paarl Royals for the upcoming SA20 League, the franchise announced on Tuesday. Karthik, 39, had previously announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the end of the IPL 2024 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore. His decision to return to the field comes a day after being named one of the ambassadors for the SA20 League.

As one of the overseas recruits for the Royals’ third season, Karthik will become the first Indian to play in the South Africa-based franchise league.

“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,” Karthik said in a release shared by the Royals.

“Dinesh has served as one of the modern day greats for India in white ball cricket, and his wealth of experience will contribute to the making of our side for Season 3. He has always proved to be a great asset for the teams he’s represented across leagues for the way he approaches the game and the impact he can make, so it’s an exciting signing for us and we look forward to having him with the group at Paarl,” Royals’ Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara said.

The BCCI permits only retired Indian players to participate in foreign leagues. Dinesh Karthik will join the ranks of Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Robin Uthappa, who have recently played in overseas franchise tournaments after their retirements.

On June 1, 2024, Karthik announced his retirement after RCB suffered defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024 Eliminator. He was also names as RCB’s mentor and batting coach. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the affection, support and love I have received in the last few days. My deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to all the fans who have made this feeling possible. Having given it plenty of thought for sometime now, I have decided to move on from playing representative cricket. I officially announce my retirement and put my playing days behind me as I square up for the new challenges that lie ahead,” Karthik had posted on X.

Karthik has featured in 401 T20Is, scoring over 7000 runs while effecting nearly 300 dismissals as a wicket-keeper.