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Can Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni Join Dinesh Karthik In SA20? What Does BCCI Rule Say?

Akshita Patel

Dinesh Karthik makes his debut in SA20 2025 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Dinesh Karthik makes his debut in SA20 2025 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik became the first Indian player to be a part of the SA20 league. Other Indian players such as MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli cannot join him in South Africa because the BCCI has enforced strict policies on foreign leagues.

The SA20's brand-new third season has begun. In the third fixture between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Paarl Royals, history was made. 

Dinesh Karthik, a former Indian cricketer, made his debut for the Royals and became the first Indian cricketer to enter the league. He didn't bat, though, as the top order fired to seal a dominant nine-wicket victory.

However, for active Indian players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or MS Dhoni, it is still impossible to do so because the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strictly regulates such movements.

BCCI has set strict policy for Indian players

The BCCI prohibits active Indian players from participating in any overseas franchise leagues. This rule ensures the exclusivity of the IPL, prioritises domestic cricket, and maintains the players' availability for national duties. Any Indian cricketer who signs with an overseas franchise loses eligibility to represent India, play domestic cricket, or participate in the IPL. 

Karthik, however, having retired from international cricket and the IPL, is eligible to join the SA20. Similar examples include Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan, who played in the ILT20, and Ambati Rayudu, who appeared in the CPL. Shikhar Dhawan also made headlines by participating in the Nepal Premier League after stepping away from active national duties.

At 38, Karthik has taken on a dual role as a player in the SA20 and a mentor for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Karthik impresses with quick reflexes on SA20 debut

Dinesh Karthik made headlines on his debut in SA20 for Paarl Royals. Facing Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zak Crawley advanced down the track to launch another big hit. However, Mujeeb outsmarted him by shortening the length, resulting in an inside edge that deflected off Crawley's pad. The ball ballooned into the air to Karthik's right, and the experienced wicketkeeper displayed quick reflexes to secure the catch. Karthik initially parried the ball before completing the grab, providing a much-needed breakthrough for the Royals.