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The Paarl Royals have consistently reached the play-offs in the SA20’s first two seasons but have failed to advance beyond. As the third season kicks off on Thursday, 9 January 2025, the Royals aim to break this pattern and clinch their maiden title.
The Royals, the sister franchise of former IPL champions Rajasthan Royals, will launch their 2025 campaign against two-time defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Boland Park on Saturday, 11 January 2025.
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The team made headlines ahead of the new season by signing veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who became the first Indian to join the SA20.
New Season, New Beginning
Under the leadership of David Miller, the Royals have bolstered their squad with international stars such as England’s Joe Root, Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Sri Lankans Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga, in addition to the experienced Karthik.
Karthik brings immense experience in white-ball cricket, having been part of India’s inaugural T20 World Cup-winning side in 2007 and a seasoned IPL campaigner.
Joe Root, known for his Test cricket prowess, adds depth and versatility to the batting lineup, while Mujeeb, at just 23 years old, has already established himself as a white-ball specialist for Afghanistan.
Big Setback
The Royals face a significant setback with the unavailability of Jos Buttler, their top run-scorer from the previous season. Buttler amassed 408 runs at an average of 40.80 and a strike rate of 143.66 in 2024 but has opted out of SA20 2025 to focus on England’s national commitments. In a message to fans, Buttler expressed his disappointment about missing the season.
“Disappointed that I would not be coming back to the SA20 this year. There are some England games where all my focus will be there. So yeah, it’s a shame that I won’t be coming back to the tournament,” Buttler had stated.
SA20 Auction
The Royals were relatively inactive during the SA20 auction, making only one addition: South African wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann, purchased for ZAR 175,000.
Before the auction, the team secured six players, five pre-signing and one traded, including Karthik, Root, Mujeeb, and others, strengthening their squad ahead of the season.
Paarl Royals Squad for SA20 2025
- David Miller (C), Dewan Marais, Joe Root, Mitchell van Buuren, Sam Hain, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dayyaan Galiem, Keith Dudgeon, Dinesh Karthik, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, Bjorn Fortuin, Codi Yusuf, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nqaba Peter
Paarl Royals SA20 Records
- 2023: Semi-finals
- 2024: Qualifier 1
As they head into the 2025 season, the Paarl Royals will look to build on their consistent performances and finally claim the coveted SA20 trophy.
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