SA20: Fabian Allen robbed at gunpoint outside team hotel

West Indies cricketer Fabian Allen has fallen victim to an armed robbery outside the Paarl Royals team hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. The incident occurred during the SA20 2024, leaving the 28-year-old all-rounder visibly shaken.

Reports suggest that armed assailants confronted Allen near the Sandton Sun Hotel, snatching away his phone, personal belongings, and a bag. Fortunately, the cricketer emerged physically unharmed from the unsettling encounter.

Cricket West Indies assured worried fans of Allen’s safety, stating that the head coach, Andre Coley, reached out to him through Obed McCoy. According to a top CWI official, Allen is fine, and further details may be provided by Cricket South Africa and Paarl Royals.

“Our head coach Andre Coley, also hailing from Jamaica, reached out to Fabian. Contact was successfully established through Obed McCoy (another West Indies international). He is fine. CSA (Cricket South Africa) and his team, Paarl Royals, could share more details if there are any,” a top CWI official told Cricbuzz.

Nevertheless, an official statement from Paarl Royals remains elusive, contributing to a lack of clarity and leaving numerous questions unanswered.

The incident raises legitimate concerns about the safety of players participating in the SA20. Allen, a formidable left-arm spinner and a reliable batter in the lower order, has played 20 ODIs and 34 T20Is for the West Indies. Recognized for his ability to stifle opposition batters, Allen boasts a T20I economy rate of 7.43.

Despite his overall prowess, the 28-year-old has struggled to find form in the ongoing SA20, with modest performances both with the bat and ball. Following a lackluster outing against the Durban Super Giants, Allen found himself out of the playing XI.

As the Paarl Royals gear up for the Eliminator on February 7, the focus shifts not only to their on-field performance but also to the safety measures in place for players in the tournament.