Finn Allen Joins Perth Scorchers for BBL

Finn Allen, the New Zealand opener, has signed a two-year contract with the Perth Scorchers ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25, following his decision to decline a central contract from New Zealand Cricket (NZC). This move allows Allen to focus on franchise opportunities and he will miss the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Known for his explosive batting style, Allen has the second-highest strike rate among players with over 3,000 T20 runs, and he is expected to address the Scorchers' opening batting struggles from last season. Despite a disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup, where he scored only 35 runs in four matches, he previously excelled in the Major League Cricket, ranking as one of the top scorers. Allen joins other prominent New Zealand players who have opted out of central contracts, which has raised discussions about the flexibility of the NZC's contracting system. The BBL season is set to commence on December 15, 2024.