Former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik has reversed his retirement from professional cricket and will join the Paarl Royals for the upcoming SA20 League, the franchise announced on Tuesday.
Karthik, 39, had declared his retirement from all forms of cricket following the IPL 2024 season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. His decision to return comes just a day after he was named an ambassador 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. When this opportunity arose, I couldn’t refuse, as it’s a chance to return to competitive cricket and aim to win this fantastic competition with the Royals," Karthik said in a release from the Royals.
Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket for the Royals, commented, "Dinesh has been one of the modern greats of Indian white-ball cricket, and his extensive experience will be invaluable to our team for Season 3. His approach to the game and the impact he brings make him a valuable addition, and we’re excited to have him join us in Paarl."
According to BCCI regulations, retired Indian players are permitted to participate in foreign leagues. Karthik will join other recently retired Indian players like Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, and Robin Uthappa in overseas franchise tournaments.
Karthik announced his retirement on June 1, 2024, after RCB’s defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024 Eliminator. He was later appointed as RCB’s mentor and batting coach.
With 401 T20Is under his belt, Karthik has scored over 7,000 runs and made nearly 300 dismissals as a wicket-keeper.
The SA20 League is scheduled to run from January 9 to February 8, 2025.