Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been signed by Sharjah Warriorz for the upcoming season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. He replaces Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis just ahead of the league’s first-ever player auction, which is scheduled for October 1. This move marks Karthik's return to franchise cricket after announcing his retirement from international and IPL cricket earlier in 2024. 

"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," Karthik said in a statement.

Karthik has featured in 412 T20 matches, amassing over 7,400 runs, with 35 half-centuries and a strike rate in the region of 136.66. His inclusion adds a wealth of experience behind the stumps and in the middle order, providing Sharjah Warriorz with a seasoned campaigner in high-pressure situations. Post his retirement from international cricket, Karthik has already transitioned into coaching and mentorship roles. He served as batting coach/mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025 — the season in which RCB won their maiden IPL title. At RCB, Karthik also worked closely with Tim David — who is now one of Sharjah Warriorz’s overseas players.

Warriorz head coach JP Duminy welcomed Karthik into the side.

"Dinesh Karthik is one of the most experienced hands and an incredibly innovative mind when it comes to T20 cricket, and I am chuffed to have him in our corner. The whole world has seen what he is capable of with the bat, and his explosive batting, dynamic personality, and immense experience will surely benefit the younger players significantly during the course of the tournament. I look forward to working with him closely."