~ The 21-year-old all-rounder joins the Royals as a Wildcard signing after a promising T20 stint with Barbados Royals, replacing England's Jacob Bethell, who has pulled out due to national team commitments ~
10 December 2024, National: Royals Sports Group-owned franchise Paarl Royals have announced the Wildcard signing of Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage as a replacement for England’s Jacob Bethell, who will be unavailable for the upcoming season due to his commitments with the England Men’s National Team.
Bethell, who was signed earlier this year after a stellar season in county cricket, has been on an upward journey.. Having already made his T20I and ODI debuts for England against Australia, he recently achieved another milestone by earning his Test cap. The Royals wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
The Royals have secured the services of Dunith Wellalage, a 21-year-old all-round sensation from Sri Lanka. Wellalage, a left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batter, has already showcased his prowess in the international arena. With 53 wickets in 53 T20 matches at an impressive economy of 7.06 and crucial contributions with the bat, he is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket today. His energy and skillset are set to bring added firepower to the Paarl Royals squad as they gear up for SA20 Season 3.
Paarl Royals' Head Coach, Trevor Penney, shared his enthusiasm about Wellalage’s signing, saying, “Dunith is a phenomenal addition to our squad. He has shown immense potential and composure in high-pressure games, both for Sri Lanka and during his time with the Barbados Royals. His ability to influence games with both bat and ball gives us fantastic balance, and we’re thrilled to have him join us for this campaign. On the other hand, Jacob Bethell’s rapid rise has been a joy to witness, and we are proud of his achievements with England. We wish him all the success in his international journey.”
With Wellalage’s signing, Paarl Royals have added another dynamic player to an already promising squad. This move highlights the Royals’ commitment to blending young talent with seasoned performers, ensuring they remain strong contenders for the SA20 title.
Paarl Royals kick off their 2025 campaign at home against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on 11th January 2025, at the iconic Boland Park.