Dhawan's decision to join Karnali Yaks came days after his retirement from international and domestic cricket. The left-handed batter was also released from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2025 mega-auction.
In injury-hit IPL 2024, Dhawan led the Punjab-based franchise in 5 matches and scored 152 runs at a strike rate of 125.62. Dhawan had joined the PBKS in 2022 and led the side in three seasons before his retirement.
Taking to X, Karnali Yaks announced the signing of Shikhar Dhawan, "Karnali Yaks is bringing the fierce energy of 'Gabbar' himself, Shikhar Dhawan, to the Nepal Premier League! With his dynamic style and experience, he's ready to shake things up. Brace yourselves because Gabbar has arrived."
Earlier in August, Dhawan brought the curtains down on his illustrious career by taking to Instagram and sharing an emotional message to announce his decision to retire. Following his retirement, Dhawan has appeared in the Legends League Cricket 2024.
He represented India across all formats, but ODI was his forte. In 167 appearances, the southpaw produced swashbuckling performances and racked up 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. Dhawan formed a great opening partnership with Rohit Sharma throughout his prime day in ODI.
In the longest format of cricket, where he stitched up memorable partnerships with Murali Vijay, Dhawan garnered 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6. His Test career was laced with seven tons and five half-centuries.
In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances and scored 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. In the domestic circuit, Dhawan played 122 First-Class cricket matches and handsomely scored 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26, including 25 centuries and 29 fifties.