New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter 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 stay in Australia and join the New Zealand squad midway through the series.
New Zealand are currently playing a Test series against the West Indies. They will next travel to India for a white-ball tour in January. Following 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 the India T20I Series Depends On the Perth Scorchers
Finn Allen’s participation in New Zealand’s T20I series against India could depend on Perth Scorchers’ performance in the Big Bash League. If the Scorchers reach the final on January 25, Allen may only be able to join the New Zealand squad around the fourth T20I on January 28.
However, if the team fails to make the playoffs, he will be free to travel earlier and be available for the entire series. Allen said that he plans to fly to India immediately after his BBL commitments end, provided he is selected for the tour.
“Pending selection, I’ll head straight to India once the Big Bash finishes up for us [Scorchers],” Allen told ESPNcricinfo.
Playing For New Zealand Is Still, For Me, The Pinnacle – Finn Allen
Finn Allen is one of several New Zealand players under casual contracts that allow them to balance national duties with overseas franchise leagues. The 26-year-old said that representing New Zealand remains his top priority and the main reason he plays the game.
Allen said that New Zealand Cricket has been supportive in helping players manage both commitments. The opener added that he feels positive about returning to the Black Caps setup once his Big Bash stint ends.
“Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country,” Allen said. “But cricket’s obviously evolving and changing year on year.
“New Zealand Cricket’s been really good to work with over the last wee while. [I’m] confident about getting back into some Black Caps stuff after the Big Bash and hopefully can continue that.”
Finn Allen Set To Return For Perth Scorchers After Foot Injury
Finn Allen is set to resume competitive cricket as he prepares to open alongside Mitchell Marsh for the Perth Scorchers. He will make his return after a foot stress fracture that sidelined him since early July during the MLC.
Before the injury, Allen had produced one of the most explosive T20 innings ever. He played an extraordinary 151, including a record 19 sixes, for the San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC opener.
The batter last played an international match in March, when he smashed a quick-fire 27 off 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 ODIs at an average of 27.71.