Former wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has joined Sharjah Warriorz forILT20 2025-26 season. Karthik, who retired from all forms of cricket in June 2024, returned to the league level with his appearance for Paarl Royals in the SA20 League 2024-25. Karthik will carry international and Indian Premier League (IPL) experience with him in Sharjah. In the cash-rich league, Karthik played 257 matches in which he amassed 4842 runs in 234 innings at a strike rate of 135.36. He also served Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as captain from 2018 to 2021.
Dinesh Karthikwill be replacing Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis in the squad. On joining Sharjah, Karthik expressed his joy for becoming a part of the set-up. “I am very excited to be joining the Sharjah Warriorz
team for the DP World ILT20 tournament. I know they are a young team, aspiring to do some special things, and I am happy to be here. Sharjah is also one of those iconic stadiums one always wants to play at. And to be a part of the franchise Sharjah Warriorz, makes a dream come true,” said Karthik.
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Dinesh Karthik also served Paarl Royals in the SA20 2024-25
Earlier this year, Dinesh Karthik also played for Paarl Royals in the SA20 2024-25. Appearing in 11 matches for Royals, the right-handed batter scored 130 runs in eight innings of 11 matches at a strike rate of 121.49 and an average of 21.66. His experience will be crucial for Sharjah.
Discussing Sharjah’s performance in the 2024-25 edition of the tournament, they concluded their campaign at the bottom of the tally with four wins in 10 matches. In the upcoming season, Warriors will kick off their campaign against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on December 3.
