Perth Scorchers sign New Zealand star Finn Allen ahead of BBL 14

New Zealand opener Finn Allen has penned a two-year deal with the Perth Scorchers ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25. The right-handed batter becomes the third Kiwi to become part of the league after Colin Munro and Tim Seifert.

The 25-year-old is a regular member of New Zealand's T20I side owing to his aggressive approach at the top of the order. Although Allen averages only 24.27 in the format, he boasts a strike rate of 158.69 and has smashed two centuries. He played all four matches for the Kiwis in a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

However, he had a strong season for the San Fransisco Unicorns in the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC). The 25-year-old was the fourth-highest run-getter in the tournament with 306 runs in nine matches at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 187.73.

Finn Allen declines central contract from NZC

Finn Allen. (Image Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, the Kiwi batter has joined the likes of Trent Boult, Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, and James Neesham to turn down a central contract from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to be available more for franchise opportunities. NZC announced that Allen will be available for the national side on a case-by-case basis, but is unlikely to play the T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka in January next year.

The Scorchers hope Allen will fill the void tried by Zak Crawley, Cooper Connolly, Sam Whiteman, Sam Fanning, Steve Eskinazi, and Marcus Harris with unconvincing returns. The franchise, who have won five BBL titles, have to fill at least two more overseas slots in next month's draft.

The 14th season of the BBL begins on December 15, 2024. Brisbane Heat are the defending champions as they beat the Sydney Sixers by 54 runs in last season's final.

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