New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Finn Allen may not be available for the start of the upcoming five-match T20I series against India due to his commitments with the Big Bash League (BBL). If the Perth Scorchers qualify for the finals, Allen will remain in Australia and join the New Zealand squad midway through the series.
New Zealand is currently playing a Test series against West Indies. They will next travel to India for the white-ball tour in January. After the three-match ODI series, they will play a five-match T20I series, which will serve as preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
Finn Allen’s participation in India T20 series depends on Perth Scorchers
Finn Allen’s participation in New Zealand’s T20 series against India may depend on the performance of Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League. If the Scorchers reach the final on January 25, Allen will be able to join the New Zealand squad only around the time of the fourth T20I on January 28.
However, if the team fails to make the playoffs, he will be free to travel first and will be available for the entire series. Allen said he plans to fly to India immediately after his BBL commitments end, should he be selected for the tour.
“Unless selected, I will fly straight to India as soon as the Big Bash is over [Scorchers]“Allen told ESPNcricinfo.
Playing for New Zealand is still the pinnacle for me – Finn Allen
Finn Allen is one of a number of New Zealand players under contingent contracts that allow him to balance national duties with overseas franchise leagues. The 26-year-old said representing New Zealand is his top priority and the main reason he plays the game.
Allen said New Zealand Cricket has been helpful in helping players manage both commitments. The opening batsman said he feels positive about returning to the Black Caps setup after his Big Bash stint ends.
“Playing for New Zealand is still the pinnacle for me and the reason I love playing is to represent my country,” Allen said. “But cricket is clearly evolving and changing year on year.
“It has been really great working with New Zealand Cricket for some time now. [I’m] “I’m confident of getting back into some Black Caps form after the Big Bash and hopefully can keep that going.”
Finn Allen set to return for Perth Scorchers after foot injury
Finn Allen is ready to resume competitive cricket as he prepares to open alongside Mitchell Marsh for Perth Scorchers. He will be making a comeback after being ruled out with a fractured leg during the MLC in early July.
Before the injury, Allen had played one of the most explosive T20 innings ever. He scored an extraordinary 151 runs including a record 19 sixes for San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC opener.
The batsman last played an international match in March, when he scored a quickfire 27 runs in 12 balls in New Zealand’s win over Pakistan. Allen has scored over 1,200 runs in 52 T20Is at a strike rate above 160, including two centuries. He has scored 582 runs in 22 ODI matches at an average of 27.71.
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