Durban, Aug 6: It's official. Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik (popularly called DK in cricketing circles) will be the first Indian to play in the South Africa 20 (SA20) league.
As per reports, Karthik will join Paarl Royals as an overseas player ahead of the new season starting from January 9, 2025. Earlier, Karthik retired from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in June.
Karthik played for a number of IPL franchises during his long association with the cash-rich Indian T20 league since 2008 from the first edition of the IPL. But in the last couple of seasons, he was a vital cog as a keeper-batsman for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
After his retirement from the IPL, he was quite popular with his podcast efforts, where he interviewed and interacted with India's sports icons including members of Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics 2024. Earlier, he even won hearts as a TV commentator.
It is worth mentioning that as far as playing in overseas T20 leagues are concerned, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) only allows the retired Indian players to participate in such leagues. Last year, Ambati Rayudu turned up to play for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the CPL while Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan featured for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Two years ago, Suresh Raina was part of Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10.
As far as Karthik's teammates in Paarl Royals are concerned, the squad will be led by South African middle order sensation David Miller. The team will also have proven African talents like Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo.
Paarl Royals 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.
Despite his retirement from international cricket, Karthik was still very impressive with his gloves-work and his role as a finisher for RCB in the last couple seasons. Indian fans would surely love to see him continue his fine form in SA20 as well.
