SA20 2024: Outside the team hotel, Fabian Allen is robbed at gunpoint

Cricket player Fabian Allen of the West Indies was robbed with an armed weapon outside the Paarl Royals team hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. The incident happened during the SA20 2024, and the all-rounder, 28, was obviously shaken.

According to reports, Allen was approached by armed attackers close to the Sandton Sun Hotel, whereupon they took his phone, wallet, and bag. Thankfully, the cricketer came out of the uncomfortable incident unscathed.

Cricket West Indies assured the public that Allen was safe by claiming that head coach Andre Coley had made contact with Allen through Obed McCoy. Allen is OK, according to a high-ranking CWI official; Cricket South Africa and Paarl Royals may have more information.

“Andre Coley, our head coach, who is also from Jamaica, contacted Fabian. Through another West Indies international, Obed McCoy, contact was successfully established. He’s all right. If there are any other details, CSA (Cricket South Africa) and his side, Paarl Royals, could provide them,” a senior CWI official informed Cricbuzz.

However, an official statement from Paarl Royals is still elusive, which adds to the confusion and raises a lot of unresolved concerns.

There are good reasons to be concerned about the SA20 players’ safety in light of this incident.

Allen has played 20 ODIs and 34 T20Is for the West Indies. He is a dangerous left-arm spinner as well as a dependable hitter in the bottom order. Allen is known for his ability to suppress hitters in opposition, and he has a remarkable T20I economy rate of 7.43.

In the current SA20, the 28-year-old has failed to find form despite his overall skill, putting up unimpressive performances with the bat and the ball. After a dull performance against the Durban Super Giants, Allen was left off the starting lineup.

The Paarl Royals’ preparation for the Eliminator on February 7 has brought attention to both their on-field performance and the tournament’s safety protocols.