ILT20 2025-26: Dinesh Karthik Signs with Sharjah Warriorz as Kusal Mendis' Replacement

ILT20 2025-26: Dinesh Karthik Signs with Sharjah Warriorz as Kusal Mendis' Replacement

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has signed with Sharjah Warriorz for the upcoming season of the DP World ILT20 in the UAE. The 40-year-old joins as a replacement for Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis, who has withdrawn due to a scheduling clash with the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2025.

The announcement comes just a day before the ILT20's inaugural player auction, scheduled for October 1.

Karthik Continues Franchise Run Post-Retirement

Karthik, who retired from Indian and international cricket in June 2024, has remained active on the global franchise circuit. This marks his fourth franchise stint outside the IPL, having featured for:

  • Bangla Tigers in the 2024 Abu Dhabi T10

  • Southern Superstars in the 2024 Legends League

  • Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20

His move to Sharjah Warriorz reunites him with Tim David, with whom he shared a title-winning campaign at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025—albeit in a coaching and mentorship role.

Karthik: "Dream Come True" to Play at Iconic Sharjah

In a statement released by the franchise, Karthik expressed his excitement:

“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.”

JP Duminy: "Karthik’s Experience Will Benefit Younger Players"

JP Duminy, head coach of Sharjah Warriorz, hailed Karthik’s addition as a boost to the squad:

“Dinesh Karthik is one of the most experienced hands and an incredibly innovative mind when it comes to T20 cricket. His explosive batting, dynamic personality, and immense experience will surely benefit the younger players significantly. I look forward to working with him closely.”

T20 Veteran with Proven Pedigree

Karthik brings a vast T20 resume to the ILT20:

  • Matches: 412

  • Runs: 7537

  • Average: 27.01

  • Strike rate: 136.66

In the IPL, he featured for six franchises, captaining Kolkata Knight Riders and playing 17 seasons with remarkable consistency—missing just two matches in that span.

ILT20 Auction: Ashwin, Chawla Among High-Profile Names

Karthik’s entry adds more Indian flavour to the tournament, with R Ashwin, his former India and Tamil Nadu teammate, entering the auction with the highest base price (six-figure USD). Former India legspinner Piyush Chawla is also part of the shortlist, priced at USD 40,000.

LPL Clash Forces Mendis, Shanaka Withdrawals

With LPL 2025 clashing with the ILT20 schedule, Sharjah Warriorz lost Kusal Mendis, while Dubai Capitals were forced to release retained Dasun Shanaka. The withdrawals have opened up opportunities for marquee replacements like Karthik.

The ILT20’s fourth season will run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with matches across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The addition of a seasoned campaigner like Karthik is expected to bolster Warriorz' prospects as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.