New Zealand opener Finn Allen is poised to sign a two-year contract with the Perth Scorchers after declining a national central contract last week.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Allen had opted out of a New Zealand central contract to pursue franchise opportunities, and sources indicate that his move to the Scorchers will be officially announced soon.
The Perth Scorchers were one of only three BBL teams, along with Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers, yet to announce a pre-draft signing under the new system that permits multi-year deals. West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosain has been linked to the Sixers.
Allen was initially included in the NZC contract list announced last month, but the Scorchers’ interest emerged only recently. His commitment to the Scorchers means he will be unavailable for New Zealand’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which begins in late December.
Allen boasts a T20 strike-rate of 168.60, the second highest for any batter with at least 3,000 runs, trailing only Andre Russell. Internationally, Allen has scored two centuries and made a significant impact against Australia in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Sydney, where he smashed 42 off 16 balls against Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, setting the tone for a massive New Zealand victory. However, he had a challenging tournament in the Caribbean earlier this year, managing just 35 runs in four innings.
Allen will become the third New Zealand player confirmed for the BBL, joining Colin Munro (Brisbane Heat) and Tim Seifert (Melbourne Renegades). Seifert declined a domestic contract with Northern Districts, while Munro officially retired from international cricket earlier this year after missing out on the T20 World Cup squad.
The Scorchers struggled to fill the opening spot left vacant by Cameron Bancroft’s move to Sydney Thunder last season. England’s Zak Crawley made two half-centuries in six innings, but other options were less successful, including an unsuccessful promotion of Cooper Connolly.
By securing Allen ahead of the draft, it is uncertain whether the Scorchers will bring back Laurie Evans, who was outstanding last season with 292 runs at an average of 58.40 and a strike rate of 189.61 before departing for the ILT20. The Scorchers reportedly considered making Evans their pre-draft signing, but his availability was an issue due to his ongoing contract with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the UAE.
The Scorchers could still select Evans in the draft, and they would have retention rights for him. However, he is expected to be available for only around seven matches. The ILT20 has been moved forward next year due to the Champions Trophy taking place in February, resulting in a greater overlap with the BBL, alongside the SA20.
The BBL draft is scheduled for September 1, with the Scorchers holding picks 7, 15, 18, and 31.