Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith can't wait to see former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik play in the SA20 2025 season. The former India international, who announced his retirement after the IPL 2024, is now allowed to play foreign domestic T20 leagues.
As per BCCI's norms for senior men's team players, a player could only be allowed to play in international franchise tournaments, upon retirement from international and domestic cricket, including the Indian Premier League (IPL).
After his retirement from IPL post the 2024 season, Karthik has now registered himself for the SA20 League 2025. Karthik will be one of many international superstars set to feature in South Africa's franchise T20 league.
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What did Graeme Smith say about Dinesh Karthik's inclusion in SA20 2025?
Smith, who is the SA20 league commissioner, expressed his excitement at the inclusion of Dinesh Karthik in the SA20 league roster for the upcoming season.
He spoke about the international talent raising the level of the league, something that has always been the aim.
"We've said from the start we want to be a highly competitive league. We have seen our South African group of players get stronger every year. We've got some world-class players and we want to grow that," Smith told IANS.
"But the opportunity to bring international talent of the likes of Dinesh Kartik to play in our tournament is something we're very excited about," Smith added.
IANS Exclusive
— IANS (@ians_india) September 9, 2024
Watch: On Dinesh Karthik playing SA20 season 3, Graeme Smith, League Commissioner, SA20, says, "We've said from the start we want to be a highly competitive league. We have seen our South African group of players get stronger every year. We've got some… pic.twitter.com/Nf7BDTrn1o
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Which team will Dinesh Karthik play represent in SA20 2025?
Dinesh Karthik will play for Paarl Royals, the sister-franchise of IPL outfit Rajasthan Royals, in his first edition of the SA20 league. Karthik also became the first-ever Indian player that would feature in the competition.
Some of the other international superstars in the league include Jos Buttler, Johnny Bairstow, Devon Conway, Ben Stokes, and Kane Williamson.
When will SA20 2025 start?
The SA20 2025 will start on January 09, 2025. The final of the third edition of the T20 league will be played on February 08. The tournament will give valuable match practice to many cricketers who would be a part of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting February 19, 2025.
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