"Very unfair on DK if I had pressurized him on friendship" - Kumar Sangakkara on Dinesh Karthik's signing with Paarl Royals for SA20 

Royals' Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has admitted knowing Dinesh Karthik very well, but stressed that he didn't use his friendship to influence the latter signing with the Paarl Royals for the upcoming SA20 season. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter has signed with the South African franchise, as announced by them through their social media on August 6.

Karthik announced his retirement from professional cricket after the 2024 IPL season on his birthday (June 1). However, the 37-year-old reversed his decision soon; he will be back in action playing competitive cricket in the third SA20 season.

Talking about Karthik's signing Paarl Royals, Sangakkara said on the Paarl Royals social media handle:

"It's very unfair on DK if I had pressurized him on friendship because it's a professional sport and you have to go where you are valued not just in terms of your ability and skill and personality but also in terms of the financials."

He added:

"I know DK really well. He has got a great passion for the game as we saw in the last season (IPL), he was phenomenal. On his retirement and his appetite to play overseas leagues, it was a very easy choice to try and ensure that he comes to us."

When last seen on the field for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024, Dinesh Karthik was in sensational form. He finished with 326 runs at an average of 36.33 and a strike rate of 187.36 in 15 outings.

Karthik was made RCB's batting coach and mentor a month after announcing his retirement.

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"I think he'll fit in very well with the Paarl Royals" - Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara is delighted to have Dinesh Karthik on board with the Paarl Royals and feels the Indian gloveman would be an ideal fit with the franchise.

Karthik will become the first Indian player to participate in the SA20 league that started in 2023.

"I think he'll fit in very well with the Paarl Royals and the Royals' philosophies. We are very excited to having him on board, he'll enjoy playing with us in that location in Paarl but also the tournament itself. Very happy he took the time to consider our offer and was very open and honest with me and the franchise so it was great we were able to sign him," said Sangakkara via the aforementioned source.

Paarl Royals have been among the most consistent sides in the competition, but haven't achieved ultimate glory. The franchise advanced to the playoffs in the first two SA20 seasons but failed to reach the final on both occasions.