Jos Buttler withdraws from SA20 2025 for England duties

Paarl Royals opener Jos Buttler has pulled out of the upcoming edition of the SA20, citing international commitments. The franchise shared his message on their social media handle, as Buttler called it a shame and thanked all the fans for their constant support. He also kept the door open for a comeback in the future.

Notably, England are scheduled to tour India for a white-ball tour, which consists of five T20Is and three ODIs during SA20. The series will begin on January 22 and will continue till February 12, 2025. Buttler stated that he would focus on doing well for the national team, especially with the Champions Trophy around the corner.

Also Read: Joburg Super Kings, Durban Super Giants, Paarl Royals announce retentions for SA20 2025

“This is a message to the Paarl Royals fans. (I am) disappointed that I won't be coming back to the SA20 this year. There are some England games on and my full focus will be there. It's a shame I won't be coming back to the tournament. I have got a lot of love for the tournament. Huge amount of love for the Paarl Royals and especially the Paarl Royals fans. I wish you all the best in the competition and hopefully, I can come back in the future,” Buttler said in the video.

Buttler had a stunning season in 2023, in which, he smashed 408 runs in 11 matches and finished as the fourth-leading run-scorer of the tournament. He helped the Royals qualify for the Eliminator of the competition, where they lost to Joburg Super Kings by nine wickets.

Meanwhile, the Royals signed Dinesh Karthik as a potential replacement for Buttler. The India international announced his retirement from IPL after the conclusion of the 2024 edition and decided to continue his career in South Africa.

Also Read - SA20 2025: Dinesh Karthik to play for Paarl Royals, to become first Indian to feature in the league

Royals have already retained their captain David Miller along with Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dayyaan Galiem, who is traded in.