With the second edition of the Betway SA20 set to get underway this week, AET Tuskers allrounder Keith Dudgeon was unveiled as a Paarl Royals player over the weekend.
In a social media post from the franchise, Dudgeon was announced as a new player for the team along with Nqaba Peter.
The two players are in the set-up as replacements for Kwena Maphaka and Lhuan-dre Pretorius who are representing the SA Under 19 side at the upcoming ICC Under 19 Men's World Cup to be hosted in South Africa.
The Tuskers man has been in fine form for the Pietermaritzburg-based outfit this season across both white ball and red ball cricket.
This strong form has warranted a call-up to the Paarl side that boasts the likes of Proteas stars David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo as well as international superstars Jos Buttler and Jason Roy.
CEO of KZN Inland Cricket Jason Sathiaseelan is excited to see a Tuskers player making that step up to the SA20.
"We are indeed delighted that Keith Dudgeon becomes the first player from AET Tuskers to be selected for the SA20," Sathiaseelan said. "This is well deserved, and we wish Keith everything of the best.
"His hard work and commitment has paid off and we have no doubt that he will return richer for the experience."
It's been a whirlwind few days for Dudgeon who jetted off to the Western Cape to prepare for the competition that starts on Wednesday with the defending champions the Sunrisers Eastern Cape taking on the Joburg Super Kings in Gqeberha.
The Royals will begin their tournament with a home match against the Pretoria Capitals on Friday, 12 January.