Former Indian cricketer and famous commentator Dinesh Karthik is now going to play in SA20 after retiring from IPL. Karthik is going to become the first Indian player to play in this foreign league. According to ESPNcricinfo, Karthik will join the team of Paarl Royals as a foreign player before the new season starting on January 9.

SA20 will be Karthik's first tournament since retiring from Indian cricket in June. Karthik, who played 180 international matches for India, last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2024. After this season, Karthik announced his retirement from IPL after which RCB signed him as mentor-cum-batting coach.

Karthik, who is currently covering the Hundred for Sky Sports, has played a total of 401 T20 matches and has a lot of experience in the format and has also played for six teams in the IPL, including leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Karthik was one of the fittest players in the IPL, missing just two matches in 17 seasons.

Let us tell you that only retired Indian players are allowed by the BCCI to participate in foreign T20 leagues. Last year, Ambati Rayudu played for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the CPL after retirement, while Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan played for Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. Apart from this, two years ago, Suresh Raina was part of the Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10.

Last week, Paarl Royals announced their retentions ahead of the new season, bringing in captain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo. The Royals made it to the qualifiers in the last SA20 edition but suffered five consecutive defeats, including a nine-wicket loss in the eliminator against Joburg Super Kings.

Paarl Royals Team- David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortune, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dinesh Karthik, Mitchell van Buuren, Kodi Joseph, Keith Dudgeon, Nkaba Peter, Kwena Mphaka, Luan-Dre Pretorius, Dayan Galim (traded in)