‌Dinesh Karthik set to become first Indian to participate in SA20

Dinesh Karthik will be the first Indian player to feature in the marquee South African league. While he has represented six IPL teams from the competition’s inception, he didn’t get an opportunity to don the Royals’ jersey. Following the IPL 2024, Karthik expressed in an interview that he could’ve continued playing but decided not to. However, he is all set to come back in an opportunity he feels “special”.

"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 come back to playing competitive cricket and win this incredible competition with the Royals,” said Karthik.

The Royals were eliminated in the semi-finals of the inaugural SA20 edition before getting knocked out in the Eliminator of the latest edition. 

"Even though I didn't have the chance to represent the Royals in the IPL, to me it was always a franchise setup and environment that was very attractive as a player. 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 David Miller-led unit recently announced a huge trade where they let off Tabraiz Shamsi to Joburg Super Kings for Dayyaan Galiem. The addition of Karthik further bolsters their group for the ensuing season to be slated between January 8- February 9, 2025.