"One of the best in the world" - Dinesh Karthik reacts after being appointed as league ambassador of SA20

Dinesh Karthik has said he is excited to join SA20 after the South African tournament announced him as a league ambassador. The former India wicketkeeper-batsman will be joining his ex-IPL teammate AB de Villiers as one of the ambassadors of the league which is fast becoming one of the most popular leagues in the world.

Dinesh Karthik's international career effectively came to an end after the 2022 T20 World Cup. Although he did not announce his retirement from international cricket, he never managed to earn a recall from the national team. And he finally brought down the curtains on his playing career earlier this year after the conclusion of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's campaign in IPL 2024.

Since retiring, Dinesh Karthik has been plying his trade as a commentator and will now add yet another feather to his cap after being appointed as the league ambassador for SA20. Announcing the appointment, SA20 stated that Dinesh Karthik's vast experience will benefit the tournament.

"Betway SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 competition, proudly welcomes Dinesh Karthik as a League ambassador," read the statement from SA20.

"Karthik’s vast cricketing expertise as a World Cup Winner and former Indian national player is an exciting development for the League, which continues to gather momentum as one of the world’s top-tier franchise leagues.

"Karthik will be working very closely with fellow Betway SA20 ambassador AB de Villiers and the management team to help strengthen the League’s global fan base and reinforce brand awareness across key strategic markets in India and the United Kingdom," it added.

Dinesh Karthik reacts:

Soon after the announcement was public, Dinesh Karthik expressed his delight over his new role. In a video posted by SA20 on their social media accounts, the former India cricketer said that he is 'extremely excited' to join 'one of the best domestic franchise tournaments'.

Karthik highlighted that SA20 is filled with a huge number of talents and is one of the best in the world in terms of quality. He also said that the tournament has been pulling a lot of crowd and he cannot wait for the new season to begin.

"I'm extremely excited, have to say it's one of the best domestic franchise tournaments going around in the world. To have been appointed as the brand ambassador for it, I couldn't be prouder. I'm looking forward to being part of the tournament," said Dinesh Karthik.

"It's a tournament which pulls in a lot of crowds and a lot of families as well who come to watch and that's always great to be part of. Can't wait to be part of the tournament.

"First thing, the quality of the competition. The kind of players that we find domestically decides the strength of the competition and it's been arguably one of the best going around and the way South African cricket has benefited from it is there for everybody to see.

"The fact that full crowds come in no matter which venue it is and there are six venues, all of them go packed and hence I can't wait for that tournament to start," he added.

Extremely excited to be announced as the Brand Ambassador for #BetwaySA20, Looking forward to the tournament https://t.co/8hRJjCSlbG

— DK (@DineshKarthik) August 5, 2024